You need to network and create relationships with multifamily brokers and look for properties that have problems for you to solve.Everyone's underwriting is going to be affected with rising interest rates, prices will begin to fall.Gino

Is there any other route to starting to develop my own trusted network of contractors as I start out here?

The list is nation wide. 

When I began, I networked at every REIA I could find; we have so many great ones with incredible value and education and great investors with different levels of experience.  

I find that the market prices for risk/reward  or your in an area of functional or economic obsolescence.if its your home town and you can self manage and want to do it.. seems Ok to me.. as long as your going in with your eyes wide open.I have helped many a C class operator scale their operations..

Join these Clarksville specific networking opportunities- https://www.meetup.com/ClarksvilleRealEstate/  (evening meetings monthly)- https://www.facebook.com/groups/275417296317639/   (private RE investors discussion group and occasional lunch meets)

Since I believe Primerica is like an MLM maybe it will be useful in developing my skills in marketing, communication, networking..which would be helpful in real estate.

Sadly I can’t but they are good times of learning and networking.

But, currently, the NPN market is very bullish (given the hype about Notes and their performance in REI network) and he doesnt want me to get my fingers burnt with a bad deal especially when it will be my first deal.I do have a promissory note with his company but his company holds the lien on the underlying property collateral.

I also have a good network of off market properties so you don't have to compete with the MLS.