@Justin Rivers I recently took over hosting a quarterly real estate investment group for the Auburn/Opelika area.

They just bundle up a freddie/fannie loan for you.   

Make the deal work for you through negotiations, offer strategies, bundle deals, and many more creative strategies.

Hey Bigger pockets community, my name is Aaron. I’m looking to start my career in real estate investing, but figured I’d start out with this System.Has anyone, (or anyone you know) have experience convincing landlords...

Also we host a Free Monthly BP meetup in Lowell it’s up here on BP under events.

There are at least 2-3 Meetups hosted by students in your area.

(I don't host them but do go sometimes) 

Also, Tropical REIA at Boynton Beach Marriott is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, which I am always at and sometimes host.

In terms of marketing, I recommend that you approach landlords through craigslist and see if they want to rent their home to you OR let you manage it for them as a furnished rental business partner/co-host.

There are many real estate networking events in NYC.You may want to check out Biggerpocket's events section or go on meetup.com to check for some networking events.You may want to reach out to @Alina Trigub and Damon Bodine who hosts networking events in NYC.