It's allowed me to do some of my own work like changing toilets and fixing leaking ceilings, but even if I don't want to do a job personally hopefully I'll have enough knowledge to not let a contractor over charge me, or recommend something I don't need.You'll also meet local contractors, and hopefully investors.They may offer an employee discount too.

As soon as our lesson was over, this dude would loudly shout to his daughter, tell her to go to the local betting parlor, give her a  wad of money and a list of bets to place for him.

My premise to you would be this:  You can learn almost everything you need to do real estate smart right here on these forums and it talking with other fellow investors (either here, or at your local real estate investment group), or in talking with a real estate focused fiduciary like a CPA.  

This week my community is having a meeting at a local coffee shop to get to know the neighbors.

Mortgage is with a local bank in a small town that the business uses so they would likely notice this change.If the bank calls the due on sale clause could I refinance at that point?

Investing out of state can be a good option if your local market isn't a good fit.

I called a successful investor I met at local meetups who helped me walk the property (first time for me) and estimate a rehab budget so I can run the numbers and figure out what I can offer in the current market.

Also, I will need some direction to this local market.

I'm currently looking for a multi family (2-4) in my local market: Trenton, NJ.

If you are in California-look up your local laws.