I've signed up to my local GaREIA 2 weeks ago and already started networking there. 

It would be best to befriend a local contractor or even help one out on a job to see any differences from your past eight years doing it in another country.

Establishing a good local team will be crucial for you. 

Quote from @Gregory Schwartz: A local agent recently got sued for calling an old client who was on the Do Not Call list.

My experience has always been better with a local lender.With that said, I am reaching out to David Greene's The One Brokerage about a refinance.

Find a local one.  

Start by getting familiar with your local market.

The key difference, though, was he spent months carefully getting to know the local architecs, reputable builders, and even a couple of niche design firms that specialize in modern builds for mid- to high-end buyers.

Starting with remote investing, like in Charlotte, can be an option, but it might be worth exploring local opportunities in Orange County too.

(Apartment buildings/retail centers/farm land/ etc etc…)