How well you deal with certain types of people, getting calls at all hours, creating networks so you can quickly have the resources needed to calm a problem.  

Check out the Network tab for REI events you can attend near you.

There is a double wide house for sale for $69,000 that is in EXCELLENT shape.

It seems as though the good deals originate from these brokers and networking more than MLS, Redfin, Trulia, Craigslist, ETC.

There are always deal to wholesale no matter where you live, the problem is that to get those deals you need a combination of a good network and marketing. 

As such, I would like to broaden my network and get to know other investors.My immediate goal is to eliminate my rent expense through house hacking as this process sounds the most appealing to me.

Go to a networking meeting, offer them 12% interest or $1000 interest minimum, something appealing to an investor.

You should definitely look into networking, check out the bigger pockets events and happenings page to find some local places. 

Do you all have any general advice, networks, meet-ups, and businesses in the area that would be great for me to get started?

Are there utilities in the way, is road wide enough, are their bridges etc.For context we once moved a historic structure a half mile across a highway and it cost the historic commission $65,000 just to take down the utilities for that distance.