Most who get into real estate investing (or operating) chase low hanging fruit from the tree, they don't really care to know why the tree is there, how it grew, how it produces the fruit, what direction the limbs will grow or to understand that everything comes from the roots. 

Could be a shovel, fruit on your tree, clothes left out to dry, etc. 

You may be better off looking for lower hanging fruit outside the loop.

I've heard of one too many REIs who put too many eggs in one basket and have lost everything.  

My goal is to spread myself out and have more eggs in more baskets, potentially an investment company.

Perhaps they view it as a waste of time and a relationship that will bear no fruit. 

I want to start out investing in my local area first just to get a warm and fuzzy and then venture out into other states where the market may be a little more fruitful.

I know that I could go anywhere (including where I currently bank) and get a loan but I thought perhaps it may be a good opportunity to jump start a fruitful relationship. 

Are they in the area near the art gallery or in the Elmwood Village or are they in the fruit belt?

I know Joe as we shared the same aircraft although he moved up to Jet these days.. but coming out of the crash he had to go private money as well.. these are the types of relationships that can bear some serious fruit...