Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

I am curious to know which events everybody has attended and which ones they enjoyed the most.What has been your favorite multifamily event thus far in 2018?

I have not personally attended a meeting yet, but I am looking for the same as yourself. 

Typically the buyers funds have to be in escrow first, and the funding is for same day only, and of course there are fees for the TF funds, plus normal closing fees too (because you're closing twice).If you join your local REIA and attend some meetings, those are good places to get local referrals.Good luck!

@John Hawkins jr Do you attend your local investor meetings?  

Right now I am attending a couple of classes in real estate investment  that is teaching me how to analyze a deal.

I would definitely try to catch her or attend/read up on the things she does very informative on rehabs.

You can ask them about their fees, all the work they will do for those fees, will they assist in preparing a contract (Agent will do this if they have one), represent them during negotiations, attend the closing etc.In Illinois, I don't usually get involved until my Client's Agent sends me a signed contract unless I prepare a contract for a FSBO Seller. 

Right now I am currently working as a Firefighter/Paramedic and my wife is a Flight attendant.

Because I haven't been attending my local REIA meetings, my network has dwindled.