Some friends invited my wife and I over for dinner.  

Conclude your presentation with an invitation instead of a demand.

Thanks for the invitation @Matt Lefebvre!

Welcome to the world of Real Estate Investing and the many opportunities available to you.You made the first step in connecting on the largest social network specifically for the Real Estate Investing industry.Take the time to explore all the resources available to you.Networking is how to succeed in this space and as such I wanted to give you an open invitation to feel free to reach out to me at any time. 

The Office I work with is having a Thanksgiving meeting where we all are supposed to bring food. I decided to go, but I don't know anyone. I've met the team leader and the recruiter (obviously) but I'm hoping that the...

Sounds to me like this is more about work atmosphere than location.

In about 6 or so years, my sister sold her house and more than doubled her money and investment on improvements.Everyone was a winner.Lucas, maybe an invite to your place for some BBQ will go a long ways to begin the process of solving your challenge.

My realtor/friend and brother invited me.

I'm not sure I'd be happy seeing them every day and calling them mine or inviting people to live in them. 

Higher interest rates, create a atmosphere of fear and decreases the amount of buyers on the market.