I have been trying to learn as much about real estate investing as I can through BiggerPockets and other sources, and I am looking for people here who I can network with and help each other through our real estate investing journeys!

Spend your time here and you will learn a ton. :)

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases.

Your claim that you spent time tutoring in poor minority neighborhoods isn't the slam-dunk you think it is - because if it's true, then it makes your comment about "recognized minorities" even worse, since you should have learned to see them as individuals, not a some monolithic group that you view as dishonest, untrustworthy and stupid.

Lessons learned?

I am interested to learn if there are any brokerages that cater more to investors?

That is how I learned from others in the foreclosure business. 

The institionalized players typically have 100-200 BPS lower rates than standard hard money lending players but they're clunky and have lots of requirements its almost like the instituional HML should be called "hybrid hard money or hybrid bridge money," because of all these requirements.When we're working with those instutionalized players we usually have to do almost as much work as a conventional loan (1-4 fannie, not quite but almost as much).If you'd like to learn more about the different options or get a sounding board on what options are out there feel free to reach out and we can talk shop.

I am super new to REI and excited to learn and expand my knowledge to build generational wealth for my family.

I am excited to learn more about investing in real estate and starting a real estate portfolio in the near future.