Local banks are great for doing business in specific areas.

Your state and local law may have some mandates that you must follow regarding treatment of those funds.

.- Huge car buff who loves to go to the local meets and interact with other car enthusiasts.

Could someone either give me an estimate of average lifecycle for common components of a house within Florida, or recommend any local contractors that could give me an affordable inspection report?

[2021] - Kitchen Countertops (countertopadvisor.com)For us, we look at comps in the local area where the house is.

I haven't attended any meetup yet, but I've gone to a few local conferences. 

I have been volunteering with local Habitat for Humanity groups to learn how to renovate houses, and currently looking for my first house hack or flip in the southeastern MA area (have been looking at areas such as Barnstable, Plymouth, and Bristol counties). 

If you are open to a partnership reach out to local investors in the area.

Connect with potential local and international investors, businesses, and partners.

I would suggest going local for the first one - I think it's much easier to manage.