As I get more confident in my real estate knowledge I plan to actively learn by going to real estate meet-ups and meeting up with some local investors. 

Do some research on the rental market, looking into things like rental rates, vacancy rates, the demographics of potential tenants, and local regulations.

Does anyone have an opinion on the best way to obtain your local market stats and trends (average: Price/sqft, sales price, rent to price etc.)?

Find a local lender right away and get with your builder too.  

@David Bridgman You may want to check with local mobile home dealerships and other mobile home park managers and/or owners in the area.

Hey Mary I’m a local investor in the Piedmont Triad area(Winston Salem, Greensboro and High Point).

Meet some others locally and see what they are doing.

Real estate is local, and Placer County is doing pretty well.

The method for calculating property tax amounts for rental properties can vary depending on local tax regulations and practices.

I haven't really heard about investing in the area, haven't found any local realtors or lenders that are "investor friendly," and I'm not sure I have enough equity (or cash) to finance a brrrr (or similar project).