Despite offering above the asking price, I'm consistently missing out on potential deals.

That has since been extended until September 1st with no clear indication of processes or procedures or potential issuance. 

During that time, there were a lot of investors that avoided the market due to uncertainty in future regulations and changes. 

It is a balancing act, but your future self will thank you.PS maybe try to seperate your equity investment from your cash flow investment: there are other ways to build a couple hundred $ in passive income and then you can focus your REI on long term goals.

Read the rules for the city or municipality of your future community. 

Just found a potential way to get started.

Looking to learn more about those markets and connect with potential partners there to develop our strategy. 

Know the difference between opinion and data.You think that: Foreclosure --> motivated --> dealAbsentee owner --> motivated --> dealProbate --> motivated --> dealBut that is not true.Here is what is more accurate:Foreclosure + motivated = Potential dealAbsentee owner + motivated = Potential dealProbate + motivated = Potential dealDistress does NOT imply motivation. 99.9% of the time, it doesn't!

Do you know where I may be able to find a potential lender?

Some folks have both Pro and Business if they want both tools, but just wanted to throw that out there as a way to show what you do in the community. https://www.biggerpockets.com/businessOutside of that I have gone to several local real estate meetups in Charlotte and Denver and feel like some great conversations often lead to future relationships.