For networking, I think I'll start just by attending a local real estate investor meeting and just listen and meet people, and hand out my business card.

It'd require you to rent out the property since it has to be used for business use.

I currently lean toward upstate NY and MI (Detroit metro) as I live in the west but have family in Canada not far from those locations and the idea of being able to visit family with trips that can double as business write-offs is appealing.

AS well as I like to interact with RE professionals on a daily basis could not imagine my wholes business purpose was dealing with tenants  LOL..

Mind providing more clarity on the asset you are purchasing and the overall business plan with making it perform? 

This is particularly for someone looking to grow a real estate business not just general posts. 

Rates: 9% to 13% (Most Deals are 11-12%)Terms: up to 36 Months (Most Deals are 6-12 months)Fees: 2-4 points(%) of loan amount paid at closing (Most Deals are 3 points(%))Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000 (For loans less than $250,000 $2,500 minimum fee)Max Loan: 65%-70% of After Repair Value(ARV)100% Rehab Financing Available (Require 20% of purchase price down payment or cross-collateral)Closing Timeframe: 48 Hours - 3 Weeks (Most Deals are 2 Weeks)NO PRIMARY RESIDENCES, NON-OWNER OCCUPIED ONLY, BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL USE ONLY.

Quote from @Gian Pazzia: For properties that small, you should budget $450 per property and use cost segregation software like the one below from a trusted brand that has been in business almost 25 years.

Opting for a reputable entity within the industry is advisable, and seeking out reviews can provide valuable insights in this regard.When seeking qualification for a hard money loan, lenders typically scrutinize four key factors: company structure, creditworthiness, liquidity, and collateral.

Folks don't go broke taking a profit.That said, if real estate is a long-term business for you, maybe start portioning cash flow into capx so these issues/expenses aren't as worrisome.