Pairing that with relationship-building will help you uncover off-market opportunities and find local experts who can guide you.For meetups, here are a few ideas:Indianapolis Real Estate Investors Association (Indy REIA): They have a mix of virtual and in-person events and are a good starting point for networking with other investors in the Indy market.Louisville Real Estate Investors Group (REIG): A similar organization for the Louisville market, with educational and networking opportunities.Check out BiggerPockets Meetups: Many cities have local meetups organized by investors active on BiggerPockets, and they often include virtual options.Facebook Groups: Look for local investing groups like "Indianapolis Real Estate Investors" or "Louisville REI."

The airfare, though, is usually 100% deductible even if you mix business with some pleasure.

@Sam Spoerl I don't wholesale but likely a mix of both.

If you feel ambitious, you could try a BRRR strategy adding additional equity to the subject home and then taking equity out of it to pay off either the HELOC or if you decided to the refinance the primary residence. 

Leverage your existing equity to invest in smaller properties, such as a mixed-use or retail space, to gain experience and cash flow.

@Mike BurkettI am currently speaking with Elite Funding Group LLC on a mixed-use property.

Housing mix will change; more condos and co-ops and multi-family apartment buildings.

I know it can feel a bit daunting at first, but you’re asking the right questions, and that’s half the battle won.

This in a neighborhood that is slowly appreciating, some renovated homes mixed in with older homes, but is street by street:Purchase price: $130,00001% rule: meets about 0.88% Down payment 20% and closing costs: $29,493Rate: 6.99% conventional 30 yearMonthly payment PITI: $1009 (was $859 until property taxes increased recently) Current rent $1200 (increased from $1150)Property management fee 10%: $120 (was $115) Net cash flow (if no repairs called in): $71 (was $176)Net rental income most months: $170 (first month rent), $935, $922, $1035 (full month rent minus PM fee) $567, $760, $307, $963, $1035 (full month ), $535, $925, $1035 (full month but now property taxes increased), $585.

They paid their portion of the rent.I have found a lot of investors bring their personal or political feelings into the investing conversation.