I started a new post asking people's thoughts about insurance costs in your local area and specifically costs to rebuild and other challenges:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/95/topics/1227051-insur...

I am considering getting into this space (looking at some courses), but worried that its too late, and that deep local market knowledge/understanding of buyers/connection with developers etc is required to make this work, which only incumbent/long term investors will have and would be hard for a new entrant starting from scratch to catch-up...is my hypothesis valid in your opinion ?

However, it wouldn’t affect investments made indirectly through a local company in Europe.That said, I believe it would still be possible to invest strategically to mitigate the impact of such regulations.

I'm attending local meetups too when my work schedule permits, but I want to do even more. 

I obviously can't comment on yours specifically.Go to the local REIA events, get in specifically with the folks doing the syndication thing.

For out-of-state investing, find a trustworthy property management company and network with local real estate investor groups.

I purchase the land from a local jeweler who I tracked down at his business and asked he was interested in selling.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.

With the massive Taiwanese semiconductor plant under construction in Phoenix, bringing billions in investment and thousands of jobs, how significant do you think the ripple effect will be on the local real estate market?

I second what John said, but if you are severely design impaired like myself, maybe ask around some local hosts / host groups.