I'm a recent grad at NJIT for mechanical engineering and currently enrolled to go back and get my masters degree.

I hear people talk about meetups on the podcasts a lot and I did some brief searching through the search engine but found nothing.

I wasn't sure on how the beam would need to be supported so I brought in an engineer to look at the structure and with his suggestion was able to place the beam directly on the old foundation.

If they're good, here are my three best suggestions:- Approach other investors at a local real estate investors association (REIA) meeting- Advertise the deal here on BP- Talk to any professionals you work with (doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, etc) and ask if they have IRA money they want to put to work

Can a contractor handle most structural issues, or is it good to have an engineer handy?

I oversee the marketing department for a children's publishing company and my significant other, David, is a mechanical engineer.

I have 5k in savings and there are properties that I am eying on Zillow (should I use an alternate search engine?)

Does anyone know some structural engineers that will sign off on some simple drawings required by the city so we can get our rehab done?

Contact a local architect/engineer for a detailed consultation specific to your project/locale. 

With a combination of real estate and construction contracting experience, I have been responsible for overseeing day to day management of property acquisitions and sales, tenant build-out, capital improvements and base building projects including build to suit, hard bid renovations and design build contracts.My work have included; financing and grant proposals, pre-construction planning, budgeting, project scheduling, contracting with architects, engineers and other consultants to oversee plan preparations, as well as bidding and general contractor.