Des Moines is an area that many of the large investing firms have not started buying in "yet" so there are still deals to be found if you have the right systems and people in place.I would caution you, although tech is an up and coming "industry" in Des Moines, IMO, tech is not what "drives" the Des Moines market, it is much more financial/banking/insurance.

I have been in the real estate industry for over 15 years mostly commercial.

There will be some that don't want to meet you for coffee, but I found overwhelmingly, they will say yes and give you some great insights about your local market, their view on the industry, people they recommend you talk to, how others got started, etc.Again, the key is being humble and honest. 

It's a specialized industry. 

I think 6 months should be a minimum and 12 months a goal, but the number will depend on who you talk to, and I think should depend on your line of work - if you work in a highly specialized industry or role, maybe you are indispensable or maybe it is just harder to find a new role should your current one go away.

Solid economy with a variety of industries 4.

Then again, I am in the insurance industry and I understand how that works.

That is a unicorn as the lenders in the industry underwrite properties in such a way that even investment grade tenants are 30% down.

I've been in the industry for 6 years as a PM, Maintenance Director, Vacation Rental Management, etc. in Denver, CO, and Breckenridge, CO.

The entire travel and hotel industry will be in pain for a while.