Meet ups?

If they don't meet your rental criteria, don't rent to them!

This all done without ever meeting face to face.

Aldermen won't get you anywhere- you need a zoning attorney, +architect for all drawings, town meeting with all the neighbors and a variance, which, in Chicago = $$$

This is the best real estate investing website that you will find.I am an investor and a realtor in the New Orleans area and I have been a member of NOREIA for several years, although I have missed the last couple of meetings this year.

Would love to meet other like-minded people.  

I advise you to take a bunch of meetings, look at some maps, eventually hit up the spreadsheets and see what local Realtors are telling you until it all makes sense.

You can find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet

It's difficult to find properties close to Boston that meet the FHA limits.

I am debating between attempting a BRRRR (using land equity to fund rehab) or a turn-key that would meet the FHA loan guidelines and just get an FHA loan.Any wisdom/guidance is greatly appreciated!