But for actually making the connections, I think public speaking (first at local REIA type groups, or eventually trade groups that are specific to your niche like IMN conferences or even BPCon) and guesting on podcasts are a great way to get the word out about you/your company, and then inviting others to reach out to you.That and starting your own networking group is a good way to expand your network - which can be as small as hosting a regularly scheduled dinner all the way up to a hosting a regional conference (the SF Bay Summit and Midwest Real Estate Networking Summit are two examples that started here on BP and grew into much bigger events).

The BiggerPockets Conference would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and exhibitors.

Colorado State University - Pueblo, and the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center, Pueblo Convention Center provide culture and education to the area. 

Although I paid for a couple gurus/mentors it wasn’t them told me to start a podcast or host my own real estate conferences.

Well I tend to get a group of BP'ers together for a gathering at the hotel bar at some point during the conference.

I see there are schools, classes, conferences available as well. 

I was at a real estate conference not long ago and they had a big thesis that the reason millenial ownership was down was not just cost but actually people getting married earlier!!

Yes, some smaller funds can let you in on the 35 (ish, can't remember exact number) sophisticated investors  exemption.You can most likely meet some funds like these at conferences and networking events.

If either party would really not be able to complete the transaction on its own, there is risk this could be viewed as a benefit conferred by the other party and therefore a prohibited transaction.Benefit would also include one party having access to the other parties funds for their own benefit.

You may want to check out Scott Carson w/ We Close Notes, he has a program Note Buyers for Dummies, here is his website http://weclosenotes.com/ Scott is pretty much the authority in note investing**I am NOT a student or affiliated w/ Scott in any way, I have heard him speak at a self directed IRA conference here in Orlando