I am not yet, I was in the stage of educating myself and have been networking at my local REI, but obviously they mostly work in Raleigh.

She is an REI coach, but happy to hop on a call, and she lives out there so would have the local knowledge and skillset to help.

local bank financing How did you add value to the deal?

You'll give up some project but the value in that first deal is what you learn.Sometimes you can meet builders at local real estate meet ups

I bought properties needing rehab for the last 24 years, had local contractors complete the necessary upgrades only to be able to max the rents, and sold them a few years later after the numbers stabilized using a 1031.  

I am mostly local, using driving for dollars, reverse driving for dollars, and government lists. 

...talk to an experienced local realtor/broker, etc.* Assess what rehab work needs to be done and assess the potential rehab costs.

@Michael L. typically, a GC will pull a general building permit for the project and then hire subs (foundation, concrete, electrician, etc.) that will pull task specific permits as the local municipality requires.So, the GC will need a builder's license, maybe something even "above" that.

It’s a great way to build some  base knowledge on any topic you are interested in.Finally,  I would e courage you to find your local real estate investment group.

I would love to connect and help out anyone local as I’m trying to learn as much as I can!