That's a hard thing to do.I don't mind networking events and there is a lot of value in them, but I'd also like to meet other local people without the pretense or expectation that those relationships be likely to develop into some sort of business arrangement.

I would go with whatever is authenticate to your voice.

NOBODY has ever said yes to that question, and I have now established my relationship to the seller.

We're hoping to find a comparable relationship in Nashville, so I'm hoping people here can maybe point me in the right direction.

I wouldn't inform the tenant of this until about a month before (or whatever the minimum length is in your lease) that you won't be re-signing him as to not cause any more tension in the relationship which could result in damaged property or him not paying rent.

Just don't overload yourself and think long term... build relationships to start your business for when you get out of College. 

And likely his contacts are flaky too or if they are good, do not put much value in a relationship with a flaky realtor.If a flaky realtor says someone is good, would you expect the person to really be good?  

The key is to establish a relationship with a local lender - typically not the big national banks - that will work with you on deals.

That is not to say that other areas are not good locations, but I'd prefer to play in areas where government, by and large, let's me provide a good quality product to tenants that respect and respond to good landlord relationships (relationships can not be over-stated no matter the location) and stays out of the way.Secondly, I do NOT and doubt I ever will do any type of government real estate subsidy (Section 8 as example) as I do not want to invite any form of government to be my partner. 

Using that relationship to get the property under contract for well under market value, only to resell for a profit larger than your sellers commission is not allowed.