Let's also say your daughter and your neighbor's daughter attend the same 1st grade class and will continue to do so after the sale closes. 

Years ago I attended a training class.

I recommend starting by tuning in to the BiggerPockets Podcast and attend your local REI meetups to build up a strong network.

If so, a quick tip that has worked for me in the past is to just attend some real estate meetups in your area (or host one yourself).

Should I be saving my receipts when I attend local meetups for a tax writeoff?

.), I would be very grateful if you choose to attend BPCON, and your 26,550 posts have certainly contributed so much value to this platform and not just the tens of thousands of people who you responded to, but the hundreds of thousands or millions more who have read your comments, that I'd be delighted to give you (and a guest) a completely free ticket to BPCON Cancun, including food, beverage, access to all events, and a room at the 5 star moon palace resort.

I am unable to attend and want to transfer my registration to a friend and his wife. 

You can meet local investors by registering to attend real estate events in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings6.

The markets here took another dive between 2006-2008 where I attended a few foreclosure auctions a month between NYC and in MA and picked up a few. 

Sales are well attended by good buyers for the most part and the good stuff typically will sell at auction.In Texas you pretty much need to be available to attend the sales in person on Tuesdays.