Do you believe that we should do a minimum number of written offers each week even if there is no indication from having a phone conversation with the agent that the written offer will be accepted and, also taking into account that I would have to go and visit these five properties in order to have credibility with the agent who is selling the property so that he/she will present my written offer in a serious manner. 

You can present an offer to them.  

said local meetups have proven to be a huge resource of information and present great networking opportunities. 

I'm currently presenting to a couple investors regarding this build.

It is literally next door to my present rental property. 

So things may be rosier than presented. :) I am by no means expert on any of this.

They HAVE to present all offers to their clients, UNLESS their clients have put in writing that they don't want offers presented under X. 

First off start with Rob K. advise about presentation.

Presently a fulltime employee with home repair skills that will help with my property purchases.

The first was doing the title search back on the property to the start of the neighborhood, for one price that is higher, or doing the present owner only, which is more reasonable.