Which will influence many lenders.

I am a mortgage broker but that has no influence, can be used as an avenue if needed.

Also, I would like make some contacts that may help influence success in the real-estate industry.  

Her tennis mates became her sphere of influence, and as they'd play their game, she'd bring water bottles (making herself of value and service to them) and share her job with them (educating and advising).

We want to look at the market dynamics and outside factors that could be influencing the market.

If you want to own 25 rental properties in 5 yrs Id say you will be spending little time on brand development and just use license to gain more exposure to deals OR if you plan to try and sell more than a few houses per year you will need to generate leads somewhere outside your personal sphere of influence. - Definitely appropriate to represent yourself as a fellow investor if you are attempting to list an investor's property. 

Both my wife and are interesting in meeting people that certainly will influence us.

Influence on the BPO is key key key!

This will ultimately drive a reversion cash flow amount, which heavily influences reposition projects which are typical for property that is purchased with a going-in cap rate in excess of 10%.

His book is on BPs list of Best Real Estate Books: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/ If you listen to the BP podcasts, the book Rich Dad Poor Dad was one book most often mentioned that influenced a lot of people.