Typically Onslow County has between 1200-1400 active rentals in the market. 

It's relatively close to everything and is pretty much smack dab in the middle of the areas you've visited.Each area you mentioned has different features as I'm sure you noticed when visiting. 

Normally I suggest listening to the podcasts or reading the blog posts but it sounds like you've already go that covered :)As far as networking, Bigger Pockets has a great member search feature you could use to search for members in Rhode Island, then you could reach out to some directly.You could also attend a networking group in or near Rhode Island such as RIREIG or Black Diamond REI.

I typically take them at 70% of the purchase price in my underwriting. 

A successful short-sale typically benefits the borrower (homeowner) in the following ways: it can give them more time in the house (and payment-free); it is better than a foreclosure from a credit report perspective and wold allow him to obtain a new purchase loan for a new home in the future more quickly as compared to having it go through foreclosure.I would encourage you both to reach out to a local realtor with short-sale experience and have them facilitate the transaction, it would not cost you or the owner the commission as it would be paid out of the bank's proceeds.No, in a short-sale I would definitely not offer any payments to him directly that are not known and approved by the bank, you can get yourself in hot water and probably legal trouble by doing that on a short sale.

Typically they are going to give you construction loans at a much lower rate than hard money will.

If all of that checks, then I look for typical problem areas (sewer lagoons, poor markets, too many empty lots, etc). 

EVP typical come in a thicker plank (like 8 or 9mm) which makes it easier to install and gives it a more solid feel.3.

You need to met fellow experienced investors typically at a REIA sometimes at a meetup.org event.   

The main benefit is you don't have to deal with bank underwriting/approval and typically need less than 20% down.