I would have to travel.. ..to be boots on the ground to network with contractors //bankers...etc..If I overcome the above  hurdles …..

Welcome to BP@Joanne HansonLaws are different by state, but being a landlord is the same.You're going to need to start reading forum posts, listening to podcasts, reading books, watching videos, going to REIAs, networking, and educating yourself.

If you have access to such opportunities in your network, then you have the potential to grow your savings more successfully than in a conventional portfolio. 

Talk to as many people as you can, attend networking events, business events, etc...

Did they build the network of contacts that made the deal possible?

What networking events are you guys attending to meet new investors in the Tampa area?

My next course of action was getting in touch with the Realtor marketing the property and get as much information as possible and set up a network contact and perhaps even get close to the seller. 

You should focus on networking and finding deals off market.

Hi BP network!

This is a great place to learn and network.