BP is a great online resource and community with lots of active members here in the Charlotte area.  

Edit: Just saw your updated post.

Maybe consider just getting quotes for labor and you can buy items second hand from online if need be. 

A bit about myself and my interests: I am an aspiring REI from Atlanta, GA with a multitude of focused skills; including copy writing, intermediate marketing, product development, website customization, graphic design, video editing and audio mixing/ editing.Currently, I own and operate a company where we connect and develop web based solutions. 

Trust is a big part of the process, and these online only lenders kind of make me leery. 

If I see that their current arrangement works for me I keep the same company, if not I find other local companies online and feel them out over the phone/website/emails and through reviews (google & biggerpockets are best friends). 

Listening to a relatively recent BP Podcast I recall hearing the interviewee talk about buying properties online via auction but that you have to be careful because some of them (Auction.com he called out specifically) will bid against you in house.

Most online education is very similar, both in format and content.

As a hard money lender and real estate developer, I have been looking for online resources and forums where I can expand my network and connect with others interested in the property game.

Or find one online(there are some here on BP) and then take it to attorney and have them review/edit.