Would you rather compete against one person, or 1,000 people? 

I'm sounding like a downer here, but even when they do arise, you're competing against others who often have cash.

Inventory is low and buyers are having to compete for what is available.

If they weren’t, they had to sign off that they were either “sophisticated investors” and give educational and/or background experience to show they were competent adults, or indicate that if they had used a professional advisor.  

Look at the players in other places to see what worked for them and what didn't.   

It is not a formal REIA or meetup, but now I meet to bounce ideas and have a good time with some friends/local players: a developer, a couple of flippers, and a few buy and hold investors (I am one of these).

For an FHA house-hack you'll want someone competent in FHA loans AND investments or house-hack's specifically. 

I have worked on cars, motorcycles computers and small home improvement projects and consider myself a competent problem solver.  

Confidence is built through competence and repetition just like in your practice.

Just identify the deal and then start calling some real players in the market, the rest is easy.Best of luck to you!