However, the act of doing research on your market, seeking out investors, getting your **** together financially and following home/rental prices are all part of the process of being 'committed'.

You will find the right people to learn from on bigger pockets, so just stay active.

For contrast to your plan, we have several private money partners lined up for buy and hold rentals and are now actively looking for properties that fit our criteria.

Go grab your signs and throw them away.Of, if you're willing to engage in criminal activities to make a buck, look for more profitable opportunities than bandit signs and wholesaling. 

I know @Steven Hamilton II who is very active on here has a second office in Florida.

I'm hoping to bridge my theoretical and macro-level knowledge with the real colour and nuance that comes from being a hand's on and active investor and owner. 

Keeping that 0 deals in mind (and actively looking at making my first), how should I approach this situation?

@Matthew T.To fund any kind of retirement plan, you need earned (active) income.

@Sanjeev KaushikI agree with @Dawn Brenengen, you'll see the ones active in the community and they'll stand out.

To find the local wholesalers, I suggest doing some research into what local Real Estate Investment Associations (usually via Meetup.com) are available and actively meeting.