Do you attend any local meet ups? 

Popular markets often include beach towns, mountain retreats, and areas with strong tourism.It’s also important to research local regulations, occupancy rates, and management costs to make sure the numbers work.

You should be able to find local builders that will finance the construction component of your new build, however! 

You may actually have it worse in NYC as opposed to the rest of the state, make sure you look up the exact laws and/or speak with a lawyer.

I used the local MLS and I am a REALTOR so I negotiated off my commission to get a better deal.

And you've joined one of the best communities for all things real estate investing.1️⃣ Download this ultimate beginner’s guide: https://assets2.biggerpockets.com/uploads/user_file/file_object/1694/UBG_2018.pdf2️⃣ Read BP beginner books on investing: https://store.biggerpockets.co...Also read, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki3️⃣ Subscribe to BP podcasts or YouTube channel and watch their webinars. 4️⃣ Ask questions here on the forums.5️⃣ Visit (join) a local (and legit) real estate investment association.6️⃣ Consider joining a BP bootcamp: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-investing-bootcampsI wish you all the best in your investing journey!

Going to shop local to see if I can get a better %. 

For us (in Las Vegas), it is common to have $200 to $300 in unplanned expenses on a ~$20,000 job.It will take longer than expected.CRITICAL - Unless you have a local person with construction experience to walk the property at least every other day, the job will take longer, cost more, and have poorer quality.If you have questions, please post them, and I will try to answer them.

I will be attending, would love to network and meet other local wholesalers

They are considered one and the same as it pertains to culpability,responsibility, or liability.Just because I hired someone to provide a service to me is NOTconsidered the same as my relying on "professional advice" (froma certified or licensed professional) which might avoid thecauses of tort listed above.Check with your local Real Estate experienced legal advisor.