I recommend setting up keyword alerts for your area so you can start engaging with conversations in the forum that center on those neighborhoods - that can be a great way to connect with like minded folks pretty quickly.Also, f you haven't subscribed to the Bigger Pockets podcast yet, I can't recommend it highly enough.

As brokers and investors, what are the main challenges you face when doing deals?

2) Are you engaged in the trade or business of professional fishing? 

I kind of fell into that and I knew the person that rented my house...I will not be engaging in that again, I was lucky to have come out ahead.

What are the challenges with buying a house out of state?

There are other details that may it challenging for a small investor to benefit from the OZ like spending the required capital within 30 months of closing and closing the property in an LLC.  

The only challenge with that lenders are starting to cap their max LTVs at 70-75%.  

What are some of the challenges that you have faced in the past when educating investors that may be more inclined or versed in the traditional real estate asset classes, Such as SFR, MFR, etc... 

I am a life long Hudson County resident and work there currently.While I have experience some experience in Real Estate, I am eager to learn more and hope to engage and learn as much as I can from the forums. 

That could be a great way to find and stay engaged with local investors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsYou can also search for other investors in that area and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersBest of luck to you and look forward to following your journey!