I am looking at 1031 possibly or just fixed refi/or use my heloc for the time being on a value add for a building 10-40 units (market dependent on price). 

Picking up 3 properties. 1 remodel/rental, 1 demolition/New construction and 1 that I'm hoping to build a duplex on.

@Juan Perez Turning your primary residence into a rental is a great way to build your investment portfolio.

I use it for the same reason to build a REI network because I am looking to be an active wholesaler soon.

No, your nobody special and do not garner any "relationship building" or any of that jazz UNTIL or unless you make yourself special to them to garner a volume relationship. 

I want to know more about the area and build a team that can help me purchase and manage properties.   

We do build outs for cold calling and Ai texting.

I was recently exploring a two-story commercial building for sale on a corner in a growing downtown area.

@Jason Weidmannit's only solid if:1) you pick a market that you can go to in person and build a team first, and 2) you recognize that RE is a long-term investment, and you may have to wait 5-10 years, or longer, before seeing ANY return. 

If you surround yourself with the right people—those who are actually in the trenches doing deals—you’ll pick up the skills, capital, and opportunities naturally.Looking forward to connecting more and building with you, Robert.