And, as it turns out, most of my spring guests are visiting the area to attend a conference or workshop. 

I’ve thought about it but prices are really high here in Denver.

Account Closed best way is through networking, become active in forums like these, facebook groups and attend local REI events. 

Attend the FREE WEBINARS3.

The usual post goes something like "I've been reading everything I can get my hands on; I'm up to podcast #378; I attend 3 meetups weekly; etc". 

Could even be hosted online so that a broad group could attend.  

seminars to attend?

I always hear of others' success in California, Denver, Arizona and those hot markets, so it's made me hesitant to get into the Fox Valley. 

I would start by attending local real estate investment meet ups.

It may be safe to assume that even if a large number of people come down with the virus, and even if social distancing in 2020 makes remote work and online schooling more widespread, the kids will still attend college on campus far into the foreseeable future (online classes don't match in-person instruction perfectly, and the social benefits of campus life can make or break careers, too).