I'm new to the real estate and would like to meet folks and discuss opportunities, resources and strategies for investing in the Augusta area.

Widespread access to high speed internet, the "gig" economy and online business opportunity have revolutionized work, but is it done?

Does anyone know where good investment opportunity lies in this regard or have any tips for a newbie?

Essentially you would not have any real involvement but full transparency can be provided so if someone could offer a guarantee on a secure turnkey rehab solution, would an investor be wise to take up this opportunity. 

I also see this as an opportunity to learn more about real estate in preparation for future investments.About me: 40 y.o. single O-4P, with probably 4-14 more years of active duty before retirement.

However, I know that there will be opportunities to Wholesale or Quick Flip (& 1031 exchange) as the deal might not work well as a BRRRR. 

I am always interested in ghost towns since to me they represent potential opportunity. 

Our first investment is located in Highland IL and there are a few other opportunities we are looking at in the same area.

While opportunity costs can be a separate discussion, if you have a bird in the hand that hits all your specs, then it'd be silly to pass on it because of a pseudo-rule that someone else created.

As an ex-NFL player, you probably have a great network of high net worth people, it might be a great opportunity to syndicate a deal, bringing in investors with you.