This will help you meet lots of different people in the industry who might help you along your journey or at least share their own experiences that you can also learn from. 

I sold one property just before interest rates went up, which worked out well for the sale price.

This includes rental income, which is typically taxed at a flat rate of 30% unless you elect to treat the income as "effectively connected" to a U.S. trade or business, which allows for graduated tax rates and deductions. 

The interest rates are most likely a lot higher.

I continue to scratch my head watching investors from New York and Boston whenever I meet them at Foreclosure Auctions in Connecticut.

I do have a meeting already set. 

Currently have multiple projects in SB with some nearing completion.looking forward to meeting some local minded people.

Rates tend to be higher, since these aren't "conventional" loans that are going to be bought by Fannie or Freddie. 

A quick google search will tell you what your transfer tax rate is. 

@Michael Turner Yes, you can combine time to meet material participation requirements if you're tax filing status is "married filing jointly".