If you have a good relationship woth a lender or are well qualified both can be lower.

He never said he was doing this for free and it entangles your relationship.

If you don't already have a business relationship with a Realtor, you probably have a friend or acquaintance who is a Realtor. 

@Duke Tran research the local market, find out who's doing/building what you want to build, build relationships, and slowing build the team around you. 

But in all seriousness- I tell people to think about what your PERFECT relationship with a tax pro would be. 

So my question for the forums:Besides the obvious ones of real estate investment meetups and social media groups, what have you personally found to be the best way to meet with and develop genuine relationships with people who are achieving at a higher level than you financially and in business?

I value relationships and reputation.

If you can establish a good relationship with a local bank or credit union that is likely the best place to find that type of product.I've got a list of local lenders. 

There are brokers that do have good relationships with all the agency lenders and can help you navigate the waters. 

All they would do is owner occupied purchase with 5% or more down, on a single family home (guess who established a solid referral relationship with that CU in about April 2020?