I keep meaning to attend, but would be driving in from Atlanta just for the meeting, and need to be sure I've got days and times right. 

Sooner or later, inventory will catch up with demand or other economic factors will level it off.

I dont know your budget but you can Drive for Dollars, Direct Mail, SEO, Craigslist, etc.

That is more than 1 hour driving to his office.

I definitely plan on driving for dollars and attending the local meetings and networking more when I move back this summer.

Also those suburban metro stations are surrounded by lots of parking so they are mainly for people driving in from somewhere else, not so much for people on foot.On the plus side, they are affordable compared to other parts inside the beltway.

I consider close being a 0 - 3 hour drive from one location to the other.

When the bank lent me the money, they didn't factor in the dues, so I probably shouldn't have been approved...

I would wake up early, put on my dress clothes, drive to work, and make sure I wrapped up my time sheet from the week before since it was due by 10am.

Make sure to factor in all expenses (CapEx, etc.).