A great way to start is by attending RE events and joining a local investors association.

A great way to start is by attending RE events and joining a local investors association.

Generally, the events are pretty great and no one really trying to "sell" you.

You can meet local investors by registering to attend real estate events in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings6.

In the event of default/non-performance on a CFD for vacant land in one of the hypothetical "foreclosure" states I mention above, does the land parcel have to go to auction, with bidding starting at the unpaid principle balance of the contract (plus late fees, legal fees, etc.)?

They meet regularly and can be a great resource for learning and networking. https://www.northwestreia.com/events I have a great network of property managers for long term and short term, so if you are looking to interview some folks who can help with that, please send me a PM.

You can meet local investors by registering to attend real estate events in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-events-and-happenings6.

When the lender brought up the issue, he just said that he needed more backyard space for his kid and it was a non-event.

Check the in person events and meetups in your local area, our online community is full of knowledge and folks willing to share and still nothing replaces the opportunity to interact IRL, you never know who you will meet and where that can take you on your REI journey. 

Most real estate investment and finance companies are hardbarred industries - only service-based businesses like financial planner firms and RE brokerages are allowed.