Look up on event section for networking opportunities.Podcast: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcastWebinars: https://www.biggerpockets.com/webinarsGlossary: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/glossary@David Greene and @Brandon Turner has some good ones.

Most real estate events have at least some pitch involved, because the financial incentives for the hosts are enormous.

Financial advisers, real estate agents, title companies, etc. have taken me to club boxes or floor seats at sporting events, golfing at private clubs, etc.

Since I’m moving out of this building into another duplex in south Portland I have fears of not being available to drain that area in the event of a flood.

This means that in the event of a worst-case scenario, laws regarding rent increases, damage deposits, evictions, etc. are more likely to favor you the landlord. 

This is why it is likely the appraised value will be less, and why the contract is asking you to agree to not back out in the event the appraised value is less than the contract price.

If you are looking for another locale networking event to attend, we host a monthly multifamily meetup in Waukesha called Wisconsin Apartment Investors Meetup. 

My concern would be the quality of tenants and unforeseen events that may come up.

But events like that aren't very common. 

Quest Trust has good educational materials and events to learn more and network with others.