Since you're a smart guy, you'll want to learn everything you can that will advance you to reach your objective(s). 

@Sarah Lam Thanks for organizing.

There are a few organized meetups in the burbs though I have not attended and cannot personally recommend.

Burbank Club in Action, Manhattan Beach FIBI, and local organized meetups.

Invite CPAs and Financial Planners and Attorneys.You want the COIs (Centers of Influence) to refer their clients to you for finding and partnering, this meet up is not for finding private lenders directly.The touchdown for you is to get 1 or 2 of these professionals to allow you to do a presentation to THEIR clients in THEIR office.So I would get a lawyer and a title co to come in and network with these professionals.You are the organizer and the deal finder.See http://beta.biggerpockets.com/blogs/3/blog_posts/3...My blog post of what to say to new private lenders.Happy hunting for your private money!

I am extremely lucky to have developed an organic mentor who is my best friends father.

I am just getting into RE investing, with the objective to create a passive income stream, spreading of my portfolio, and generally to counter inflationary effects.I am currently living abroad (Asia) for a couple of years, for work.

@Phillip Vincent are you one of the organizers at the SSIC meeting?

Long term goal would be to own half a dozen houses all in this neighborhood, mostly to build equity via mortgage paydowns, rather than excessive cashflow.Any objective thoughts would be welcomed.

Evan,My partner and I would be willing to consult with you however wish to discuss what your objectives are and what you are facing with regards to the business.