Biggest advice I would give is get out to real estate networking events!

Especially if your numbers aren't making since locally. 

Hi Brendon,If you want to work with local companies, I suggest you simply call title companies and ask them if they can facilitate assignment of contracts.

It's less than 30 minutes from pretty much any major event in the Phoenix area (20ish to the area you mentioned) and it does very well, especially in the peak season between Jan-April. 

To grow your network and get insight from the experiences of others, go to local real estate meetups, networking events, and seminars.Seek out a mentor with knowledge of subject-to transactions and wholesaling.

I work with local investors too

You have to have the personal protection either way, at which point the LLC is less important.An accountant once warned me to be careful about using the LLC to manage the properties if they are not owned by the LLC because it could potentially trigger taxable events. 

do you go to local real estate forum and such ? 

As noted above, these are usually geared away from investors if they are looking to increase affordable housing options, or focused on local investors who will then open them up for rent right away for the same reason.

I'd love to invite you to some events!