I now have been able to meet people working and learn the various regions.

Personally, you should speak to a regional and mention that you will leave if this happens again as it is not the first time.

Many times these events also have opportunities to donate/support the charity in exchange for some promotional.3) Host your own local or regional meetup for accredited investors-only.

I am from upstate NY (Capital Region), and I have zero experience owning real estate. 

First step is to check zoning and discuss options and uses with the city.As far as development goes You most likely will not be able to attract a national or regional tenant with such a small demographic. 

I'll add a couple that were 'nightmarish' but not haunted.1986 - The Money Pit    1990- Pacific Heights     And a couple relating to the housing collapse 2014-  99 Homes     2015- The Big Short            

Some things I have learned about Maine that need to be considered though:Taxes are relatively high compared to some other regions (all of New England/northeast are generally high property tax states)Heating and utilities are expensive here and often cut into landlord's profits as some of these are more difficult to pass on to the tenants than in other regionsThe housing stock is generally really really old (early - 1900s) and that comes with a lot more maintenance and CapEx than newer homes.

You can  have national. regional, and mom and pop tenants.

That will hopefully help give you some direction as to what region of the state and what types of properties you're drawn towards. 

They arent all bad, but still will take some shopping.the best way into the creative financing is to attend investor meeting called masterminds in your region to get a group of people woth money into your phone book.cheers.