I regularly spoke (and still do) at industry insider conferences on lending.

We're also getting a bunch of the BiggerPockets big hitters and a few hundred BP members together for a weekend-long conference in Oakland in Oct, along with all the local RE meetup leaders - if you can make it out.

I was involved in the defense / investigations industry for several years, working on the Huntsville, AL Arsenal.Let's connect,Dennis

Though we've not spent/allocated large amounts on defense/military in the past 10-15  years, that might start to change with the increasing tensions around the world. 

Any meeting/social/conference recommend?

On a plus side, I did just land a little over 3 month contract with a person coming in for temporary contract work for a defense contractor...we shall see if it becomes a steady thing, or a one off. 

Otherwise, you will find places like Facebook and LinkedIn will leave you confused as to your course. 5) Conferences: There are different conferences with various offerings.

Huntsville is huge beneficiary of the money.Also,  FBI Headquarters moving there which is 4100 jobs.Also, slated to receive $54Billion in funding money for Army Defense for Huntsville as part of Trumps Army Build up program.LMK if you need anything else,  market updates, etc. we do a lot of business in all three markets.  

You would have to lay out your plan in full detail so if by chance you are taken to court, like Jeff Beardwarned, your contract would be your best defense.

If you're not sure yet, then listen to podcasts and attend some conferences.