More than 5 days late (or whatever your local laws consider late), give them notice. 

Having local family gave me a built-in support system, market familiarity, and the confidence to manage a property from a distance if needed.

I have been on New Western's deal list as well as another bigger local company and everytime I underwrite these deals there is very very minimal left on the bone let alone contingency funds for going over budget on the flip...

Are you focusing your efforts in/around your local market?

I would like to speak with local investors, real estate agents, property managers, lenders, etc. from the area.

Unless you use a local professional familiar with the market, who you trust, best way to know a good deal is to study the market.

For starters, I recommend to begin with a single family home or if you are looking to start locally, do house hacking. 

You have some good comments above but I would also suggest to try some local real estate meetup groups.

Accessibility and local knowledge above everything else. 

Also, you could also hang out at some local ice rinks where people take their kids to hockey practice!