They are both social and networking where you can meet mortgage people and real estate agents that specialize in investment property as well as handymen, property managers, and many other people that might be of service to you at one point or another.

I have no development experience so I will not be offering advice in that direction.As someone who is new to the market in TX it might make sense for you to delay the development efforts until you get your head around the TX market where you are.You also could look to do a few deals (rentals or just flips) to build up your network in TX.

I would also suggest getting out to some of the local REI clubs to network and gain insight into the local markets from people actually investing and making it happen.

I would also say that it is easier because you have a track records plus a network.

Looking forward to networking with you.

As was stated you need to network and get to know your target neighborhood.

Thanks John-I replied to your PM.For the other readers, I do the following (without URLs):Forums I participate in:Bigger PocketsAgents communityReal Estate Webmaster ForumBlogs I write on:My websiteActive RainOther social networking sites I try to comment on to make sure I am getting my name/website out there:TechnoratiMyBlogLogZillowTruliaAnd then I am trolling around looking for other place to post.Actually, I really have a tough time finding any other Blogs that talk more than a post or two about investment real estate.

People like to network.3.

You are talking about networking so even 1 visit can be productive if you meet interesting people.John Corey

Note how Mike's business model is largely agnostic to the market conditions.