I use my city as a keyword to keep tabs on discussions about it.You can also search the site in the upper right corner for meetups.

I use Mint which makes it so easy if you have straightforward simple finances like myself. 

Combine your experience with Bigger Pockets various resources such as: ebooks, forums, blogs, webinars, podcasts, keyword alerts, an awards system, a learn section mentioned by @Carrie Anderson, colleagues, informative people in many fields of real estate, and more. 

Spending 30 minutes for 30 consecutive days on Bigger Pockets you will receive an Addict award along with a habit; as well as learning and retaining useful real estate information without struggling.Bigger Pockets has various resources such as: ebooks, forums, blogs, webinars, podcasts, keyword alerts, an awards system, a learn section, colleagues, informative people in many fields of real estate, and more. 

If you haven't already, set up your keyword alerts.

Also, if you haven't yet, try to setup some "Keyword Alerts."

They are both great at learning the fundamentals.Also - here's a couple articles you might enjoy:The 21 Best Real Estate Investing Books Ever How to Rent Your House: The Definitive Step by Step GuideHow to Be a Landlord: Ten Tips for SuccessOh - and if you haven't yet- be sure to setup some "Keyword Alerts."

Welcome to BiggerPockets, @Alfred Carrasquillo.Have you set up your keyword alerts yet?

Set your keywords for them and you will get notified as soon as they are posted.

Setup keyword alerts for Chicago and search the forums for "Chicago roll call" to find people in your area.