Go to local real estate meetups to meet real-life investors in your area who have done it and can tell you how it went where you live.3.

Most banks want to dispose of non-performing assets quickly, and will do so by selling at a public online auction like Auction.com, or list the property with a local Realtor on the MLS.Even if you can work your way up to the bank's decision-maker on this property, it's highly unlikely they will sell directly to you.

$15m in EB-5, large skin-in-the-game from the local Seattle developer who put in 25% in equity through the land contribution, 75%/25% JV, blue-chip architect & well mapped out condo project.

Plug in with a local realtor. 

I do believe it will help, giving me access to the MLS and can run comps and have knowledge of the market.Also, will be looking to house hack and buy and holds if I can get all the pieces to fall together.Will be attending meetups to network.Will be searching for my own deals with some local realtors.

Talk to the owners about their experience with the franchise or - is it good bad , are they dictatorial, are they willing to work with you etc... talk to a local SBA Advisor about starting your own business, there's a lot more to it than you might imagine.Good Luck!

I’m a local real estate investor, broker and property manager in Biloxi!

@George Iskaros, are you open working with someone remotely or you set on having local CPA? 

@Loren SouersIn Metro Detroit area, it's always finger-pointing between City, USPS and local utility company.Recommend getting info from all 3 IN WRITING for accountability:)

Talk to your local bank/credit union first to see if they do such a things.