Join local meetups or online groups (here on BiggerPockets, Meetup.com, other other local REIA are the good ones).

Santarelli allegedly purchased from a government auction from the bankruptcy trustee and relaunched online.

If the software is not simplifying your life or making you more accurate, you shouldn't use it.Software does have extremely helpful features like online payments, marketing syndication (click a button and your property is advertised on multiple sites), electronic document review/signing, maintenance tracking, and owner reports.

I understand equity and cash-flow are related, but what I mean is that I don't need the cash flow right now as much as I'd like to build a strong portfolio that can cash flow even more later on.I've owned a single-family rental for 4 years, but on mulitple fronts I felt like I've done a poor job self-managing it, so this Fall I picked up the Turners' book on managing rentals and that's what led me here to Bigger Pockets online.

He practiced that well and his son is now one of the largest developers in the country, if not the world.The nice thing for investors is that there should be a 2-3 or maybe 4 year gap in major apartment developments coming online. 

It appeals to desperation on both sides of the transaction, which also makes it a great online class to sell... 

Look into markets with steady growth and affordable prices, like Indianapolis, Kansas City, or Chattanooga.You can build your team remotely by contacting property managers, realtors, and contractors online, though meeting in person can help strengthen relationships.Focus on your strategy (buy-and-hold, BRRRR) and use platforms like BiggerPockets to learn and connect with others.

Networking Tips: How can I leverage industry events, meetups, and online communities to build relationships with potential investors?

-I'm fairly careful with communication , but again, I know doing business online is way riskier, but I want to ask: Typically, I would trust someone who seems very in-depth, informative (gives statistics and numbers), and basically would give me thorough steps (including worst-case scenarios and what would best fit my situation)^^would people who have experience say that even with the above, some agents/lenders/PMs would still be sort of out to get your money and do a lousy job?

Keep doing what you're doing with networking, and just keep showing up — in person or online.