When commercial lenders are evaluating a first-time CRE investor, they like when the sponsor is within driving distance of their first investment, so pat-on-the-back for staying local on deal one, it makes it a more prudent transaction for all involved. 

How do you ensure that properties comply with local regulations and ordinances?

I too am a local here in South Florida.

I took the opportunity to venture outside of the hotel to look at the local real estate market.

Are you attending any local REIA's/networking events?

I’ve had neighbors ask if I can print something when their printer didn’t work, drop them off to pick up a car they left at a local bar if it’s on my way, water plants, etc.

He invests himself, specializes in investment properties and has a great pulse in the local real estate market.

To win, talk to locals, analyze the market, and ke­ep learning.

Big enough to have a national foot print usually means some economy of scale price wise. 

That is awesome to hear that someone local is doing the same thing that I am trying to accomplish!