Maybe something that allows you to network, establish connections, learn the business or aspects thereof.  

This is the perfect place to sharpen your investing skills and broaden your network.

I’m hoping to network and meet people from the area and learn as much as I can to grow my knowledge base and give back through interactions with you all in this community.

The only wrench in all of this is that as I am not familiar with the area in its entirety, I am having trouble networking with a decent contractor that I can partner with/hire to help with the rehabbing process.

You can still find properties for $40k (might need a little work)Curtis Waters  on here is a wonderful resource for GastoniaEverything is about networking. 

Hey Joseph,Congratulations for thinking of starting at your young age.To get a loan, find someone in your network who believe in you: Family, friends, etc. who is willing to act as a guarantor on the loan, if you cannot secure it yourself.You would have to come up with some capital to put down as a down payment.

I would suggest getting out there (flying to conferences) because the best networking with the best people is rarely in your local area.

I look forward to expanding my network and meeting other like minded people close to me!

But they all came because I network a lot in my neck of the woods (hint, hint...)

I would also suggest that you do some networking and connect with partners who are full time in real estate.