Listen to as many podcasts as you can and attend all of your local meetups to connect with other investors.

If you wish to network or ask specific questions about your local market, you can go to your local real estate forum and discuss with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking 5.

Go to your local credit union. 

You could also explore a jv partnership with a local investor.

There are many local real estate investor groups or associations.

I’m trying to increase my presence to the local renter population.

Best bet is to try local and credit unions, possibly may have some programs for better rates.

As for finding a contractor, asking local investors for recommendations is a great start.

Apparently, local jurisdictions here are saying they want more affordable housing, but in the same sentence will also say that there will be more regulations, more environmental protections, and more hoops to jump through to develop starter homes. 

You can use local banks and there are national lenders.