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. 

I am clearly concerned with inadvertently committing any type of mortgage fraud, but also don't want an empty unit that can be generating cash flow for me when I am away.2: Would it be wiser to get a few fix and flips under my belt via HML/Private Lenders to build liquid funds and then use that to start investing in multi-family rentals via Brrrr3: Lastly, do many of you use HML for your initial purchase of a Brrrr property?

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?

Is there other options besides HELOC that would be wiser, more affordable, and not a fluctuating interest rates??

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.