Is there a Linked In group those type buyers participate in?  

Be sure you meet the material participant / real estate professional test per the IRS, however assuming such, you could expense as much "business related expenses" as possible to offset your ordinary income (consult with your CPA first!).

Don't participate in one sided conversations. 

Your first decision may be whether or not you want to participate passively in others deals or directly purchase your own (or some combo of both).  

@Benjamin Peterdon Chase participates in the clear exchange network.

On multi-unit side, I was planning to participate as one of equity investors.

That is a bigger topic, so I'll stick to this thread.If you have cash/skin in the game, then recruiting other participants with the same can be accomplished, resulting in a much larger play.

If you plan to change jobs in a couple years, you can roll your 401k over into an IRA, and then take a $10k penalty-free withdrawal from an IRA for purchase of your first home, as well as for many other important expenses. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-particip...Also, for Roth IRA contributions, you can withdraw the principal penalty free and tax free after 5 years.

Ask questions, and participate.

Real Estate agents in Vancouver were sanctioned earlier this year for promoting/participating in what were essentially "skip transfers" in a quickly rising market.