Here are some good places to start: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet- find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts - Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.And, of course thehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums - ask any question about real estate!

REI meetings are great for this and the networking platform here on BP is awesome as well.

After my retirement I worked with a group of old friends I meet back at the bank to form a small investment group.

However, it’s also a field full of potential landmine issues with fair housing.There are important things to remember when using social media to screen tenants.Start with a solid application processIf you’re not starting with a thorough rental application, a credit check, and a criminal background check, go no further.Beyond that, have a checklist of uniform criteria and standards you need each tenant to meet.

Unfortunately, breed bans are difficult to overturn unless you mane it personal... maybe get a couple "bombproof" dogs from the local breed rescue for a meet and greet?

I was told there were something like 1500+ agents in Asheville area alone... hopefully I can avoid cold calling up every office in the area and setting up meetings to feel each one out.

There are standard procedures and traps you won't be familiar with.Also, there would be absolutely no advantage to not using one, even if you didn't need one.

Let me know if you want to meet up sometime and talk real estate.  

I look forward to meeting you all.Ernest

If you attend local real estate investment groups, or even reach out on BP, you'll likely meet some hard money lenders.