In order to network with wholesalers and lenders the best way to go about it will be to attend the local REIA like The Greater Houston REIA and also joining the local investors facebook groups. 

Believe what you will.

I will pay the money if I can do 1 or 2 deals in the next 4 months.

This will give you some info so they are not guessing on what will be needed (they probably already know rough numbers, but each project is different).

If not you will find it in the mailbox and can keep it until someone contacts you, or not.If folks change tenants and updated rental agreement are signed, we make it clear that we do not deal with divvying out the security deposit.

Personally if you are looking to grow in real estate going the traditional method/way of getting good properties under agreement with traditional financing will get you to where you want to go faster than trying to find all the needles in a haystack.

If you think you can manage a mortgage, taxes, insurance and the upkeep of a home while paying your student loans then buying is not  bad idea but if you think you will overstretch yourself renting is nto bad either.

Investors and repeat buyers, accustomed to the realities of the market, are often willing to bid aggressively to secure a property.

You will NEVER cash flow while living there but have a chance of cash flowing when you move out.

I recommend you search for "tenant application screening" to find a few different options and see which one will work best for you.Here's some generic screening advice.