I would also check out the local builders association and possibly the chamber of commerce.

@Constance Chambers Go to your local REI meet up and find local private lenders.

Trade associations, local business organizations, chamber of commerce, cocktail bars, etc.

My goal next  year is to get involved in the chamber or some sort of committee that could possibly steer development one way or the other - To the OP - id seriously do your homework unless you want to be a slum lord.  

I'd also expect you would be networking with the local chamber of commerce/economic development groups.

Sniffed around the hot water heater -fine, but he does flag a cut in the plug gasket where the ignition assembly enters the combustion chamber.

(leave your relatives behind until you "make it") you can always visit and they don't see you anyway, you're working too hard.Now, for the real estate investing side, you can join a service group and meets lots of people who have money that would like to invest with you, Kiwanas, Elks, Eagles, Chamber of Commerce, etc, etc doctors, dentists, other successful businessmen.

I meet with the Chamber if Commerce in Sebastian (one town north of Vero) and they said demand is very high and even are willing to refer business. 

@Sunil Sharma getting to be an echo chamber here, and some may say I'm biased by being in the industry, but all that being said GET TITLE INSURANCE!

Chamber of commerce or other similar grant funded organizations are always a good go-to.