Attend meetups and meet as many people in RE as you can. 

Attended a few local REIAs.

It would give the local governments power to ban STRs.

Go to local title companies that are owned by attorneys.

Abby,Talk to a local, traditional mortgage broker. 

You will even get it in writing (he does all his training orally using slides and at least we didn't get a copy of any material, so you have to take notes and pictures to keep up).Invest those 20k, 30k or 50k into a property, whether it is rehabbing and fliping, BRRRR-ing, or hacking, and network with local (from Dallas, not Austin) REI, realtors, loaners, etc. which you can find here and in the REI meetups.

You certainly can go to a local REIA and seek out someone with cash or a self directed IRA that may either give you a loan in 2nd position or you could sell an Option on your house for the cash you need.

I am looking for my first deal around Freno, CA area (want to start local).

As I get more confident in my real estate knowledge I plan to actively learn by going to real estate meet-ups and meeting up with some local investors. 

I recommend attending your local investment meet-up to find the right wholesaler in your market.