My other friend who is her business partner, has built his reputation on word of mouth and has been successful.

I have noticed that Saint Louis in certain areas has a reputation for being rough.

I currently work as a project manager / foreman for a small residential contractor in the area, but I am looking for something more.I was turned on to BP back in April and have been excitedly looking at forums, cruising real-estate web sites looking for deals and listening to the podcasts.For those of you in my area, what are some of the best ways to get connected?

Guys, just go to the web sites and sign up for an account.

Again you don't need a buyer's agent, but if you're in a competitive market and haven't established a reputation yet I'd get a agent. 

This may be the perfect Section 8 property, so find a local and reputable (reviews) PM company to give you the good, bad, and ugly on keeping it as a rental.

I would start by having a conversation with a good, reputable, experienced attorney that handles foreclosure defense in your area.

I would pivot into something more reputable. 

Do your own due diligence by flying to the cash flow market and taking a tour of neighborhoods before placing any rental under contractThere are lot of reputable turnkey providers and marketing companies on BP . keep reading and updating yourself.

If that is people who wholesale properties, people who renovate properties, or people that are connected to the big web of people out there who know a lot.