Some key tips for networking and growing your portfolio:Attend local real estate investor meetups to connect with experienced investors in your area.

That typically happens when the agent gets a lead that's either outside his area of expertise or outside of his geographical coverage area.A mortgage broker can only pay you a referral fee is you sent him a real estate buyer or seller and that mortgage broker, working under his real estate (not mortgage) license completes a purchase or sale with that client. 

As an investor myself, I have seen areas like Cleveland and Dayton with COC ranging from 10-18%.

I’m considering purchasing a rental property or two in the Dallas area to use as a STR revenue generator and get my feet wet for some passive income before I retire.

Do you have a good investor friendly real estate agent in your area you can ask if they have a referral for a good insurance broker?

Corey,Welcome to Dallas area.

Unfortunately, here you have quite a lot going on and maybe misinformed on a few areas.

I also wanted to add a few security cameras outside and in the common area.

I can see doing this for kids or close relatives but strangers.. dont think so.. to me its just another one of those totally grey areas  that maybe legal but ethics come into play.. artificially raising someones credit ?? 

Look into “land banks” and tax deed auctions for the areas you’re considering.