I look forward to the responses and engaging discussions to come.Best regards, JonPaul Kessinger 

Sign contracts each and every time you engage a vendor/independent contractor, make sure you have appropriate levels of insurance, and make sure any vendors/independent contractors you engage is properly insured and list you as additional insured.

The prospect of engaging in meaningful discussions, sharing experiences, and building professional relationships is of paramount importance to me.Srini Reddi

It's best to avoid engaging in any conversations with them and just handle the situation smartly, in a way that protects your interests without directly interfering with them.

More importantly sign contracts each and every time you engage a vendor/independent contractor, make sure you have appropriate levels of insurance, and make sure any vendors/independent contractors you engage is properly insured and list you as additional insured.

Are you wanting to stay engaged in the restaurants but diversify your portfolio? 

They determine rankings by "engagement".

Just listen to the podcasts, read the books and engage on the posts". 

I've also begun engaging with the Bigger Pockets forum and podcasts.

I recommend exploring https://www.zillow.com/research/data/and engaging with local real estate groups for up-to-date market data.