I think VA is a better market in terms of price growth vs MD, and a lot of my investor clients agree.In terms of local networks for mentorship/networking/guidance, there are two I know of in NoVa that I have personally been to:NOVA REI Meetups - they meet at Tysons Mall once a month.Cash Flow Breakfast Clubs - there are a few locations including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, etc.

U would be tresspassing if you go on the property.. although me personally I never let that stop me. 

For example, when you call Apple support your call is first picked up by an IVR that sounds like a real person who routes your call.

From there, I would consider how much Capital you have at your disposal, your personal feelings about risk, and then finally your financials. 

Any return will be great so many are not returning anything and asking for Cash calls.from my personal perspective I would do anything I could to NOT syndicate and subject yourself to those risks in case the deals don't work .. they don't work and you get massacred on SM etc etc.Myself I would, if you need partners go for just a very few in more of a JV format with you as the managing member.. 

Of course we've had personal items left behind (wink wink), gun, etc.

In 3 years i can get a loan because then i have a job and show the bank that i receive x amount a month but now i am a little bit stuck. 

I'm not sure whether the bank is selling the property, but I suspect so. 

Finally, a HELOC can be withdrawn at a moments notice by your bank. 

If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.