I would also look for partners or as others have mentioned, network with syndication companies and invest with a few of them. 

Also open to network with anyone in my local market!!!

Finding local foreclosures is actually something else I am interested in figuring out but haven't really looked into yet - but I'm definitely not seeing them in the same place.I was really considering buying a parcel at this auction purely for the experience, but by the time they removed the ones that had been redeemed before auction day there were only I think 3 that were big enough to legally build on (and not even usable if rezoned somehow, just like 4 ft wide strips of land between 2 houses and such).1 of those was commercial, would have required tons of tree clearing and excavating to build on it an all the engineers, applications, and hearings involved with that were intimidating for me... that was the only useful one I could've afforded. 

I am looking for any advice that the BP community can give me on getting started as well as opportunities for local networking.

Take advantage of all that is offered here then graduate to networking events.

So 6 48ft wide lots make the width of the north half of a block, and another 6 make the south.

Are there any good meet ups around that I could attend and network?

I've been looking at all my business over the years and have reached the conclusion that my best clients, by far, have been landlords.I already have a real estate investor's networking group (it's mine) and I'm looking for unique ideas on how to target landlords considering selling.  

I would network with other investors in your area and find out if any of them utilize property management.

I hope to be able to network with some of you great members and help in any way I can.