I say start there, exhaust your local efforts before jumping toward "shiny things" and unknown markets, persons etc.. 

However, investing locally has become increasingly unfeasible and unrealistic due to the high costs.

Are you local here?

@Shawn McCormick is local to the area and can share some of his experiences. 

Find your local REIA and start attending and find the Realtors there to build friendships with. 

In suburban Chicago, historical significance or celebrity ties might create a niche appeal, but they won’t necessarily drive up the home’s market value in the same way as location, condition, and local comps.For a short-term rental, though, it could be a great marketing angle—especially if the person is well-known and has a strong local connection.

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor. 

Always a cheerleader for our local market & think we face many headwind, but this is is massively overblown in my opinion and certainly there is absolutely no data that we have seen an effect from this as of yet, again if anything our suburbs inventory has gotten tighter.

While I’m new to the business, I’m eager to learn, grow, and connect with local investors, landlords, and fellow real estate professionals.

As U.S. citizens residing in Europe, we are required by the local tax code to hold the property in our personal name.