Going to local RE meetups can be a great way to make these connections!

Also, you don’t need a business license just to look at properties, but if you buy a bigger property, like a multi-family unit, you might need a certificate of occupancy, depending on the local rules.For business trips, most expenses can be deductible, but if it’s part personal and part business, you can only deduct the business portion.

Is there someone local who handles these sales? 

I'm a construction management consultant (so similar to engineering) and investor/agent in the Boston area so I get the need to want/need to stay local.

I would recommend searching for local Facebook groups to find events to attend.

Looking to make new connections here.Are you looking for local community banking for lending and real estate related purposes or for personal checking and savings accounts?

.)- Crime stats... if you know specific zip codes/submarkets that you'd like to target, the best data will come from local precincts. - and more..I'd recommend remaining active not only here on BiggerPockets, but in other valuable RE investment networks that you can find - i.e. local meetups (meetup.com, eventbrite, BP local events). 

A realtor can send you a walk through 360 which can be good enough to get in on some listings to make an offer.Once you make the offer fly out and do a personal walk through and then figure out do you want to self manage or hire a local manager.

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

They’ll let you know if everything looks up to code or if there are issues to fix.Then, head to the local building department and apply for the permits.