The majority of new loan officers, especially right now, alternate between feast and famine, and right now it's famine season... virtually no one is refinancing, and home purchase transactions are down ~40%, with the 60% that remain not being anywhere close to evenly distributed [80/20 rule].I wish you the best of luck, but make sure you're going into it eyes-wide-open, and assume/plan it takes you six months to close your first deal (you will likely do better than that, but "hope for the best, plan for the worst" is always a good thing to think about).

I also think that it's a good idea like you said to do meetup groups and things like that nature.

Heating costs go up in winter, as does electric due to the reduced natural light and people being indoors more.

As an alternate approach - you could try to partner with someone locally on your first deal.

Renovations were cosmetic in nature, we did have to service & make some repairs to the heating system4.

Naturally you want to read some of the basics: Rich Dad Poor Dad and Think and Grow Rich.

Often times way less than that when investors want to do BRRRR deals and things of that nature.

What homeowners do have though, is a problem or situation that requires a solution or offers an alternative to cash or conventional.Whether on market or off market, what signs should you be looking for that subject-to or seller financing would be right for a seller? 

I am at most of the general and evening alternative meetings, so make sure to find me and I would be glad to introduce you around to the other investors.

I hear what you are saying about somehow qualifying the audience- something to think about for my next "get you new customers" idea.The goal here is to offer an alternative to the traditional marketing methods...postcards, newsletters, ads, etc.Your chances of turning cold leads into warm ones are much higher with my model, if you were to be on site during the event...shaking hands, making intros, sharing a drink or two, etc.