I'm new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.

We've worked with local banks and been able to finance the three we own without any issues.I don't necessarily know if it's "beginner" investor friendly but you'll learn everything you need in the bootcamp which is the gold standardWe get loans with 3-7 year balloons and 25 year amortization typically

@Shawn McCormick is local to the area and can share some of his experiences. 

You could get a loan from a local bank or private lender to fund it

.- Military Presence: With U.S. military bases across Germany, local banks are accustomed to assisting service members with financing.How to Qualify1.

Apparently, local jurisdictions here are saying they want more affordable housing, but in the same sentence will also say that there will be more regulations, more environmental protections, and more hoops to jump through to develop starter homes. 

Local banks and smaller credit unions are most aggressive in this space.

Being a part of the local REIAs in both towns can help you understand more of what is going on.  

Listen to as many podcasts as you can and attend all of your local meetups to connect with other investors.

Before you commit I would talk to banks, probably local banks are better than regional or national.