I don't like to self promote at all, but I'm going to in this case (search key word RareBird and I'm sure you'll see some recommendations for our networking meetings here on BP) as our speakers in August are soon to be retired engineers.

If you feel that you are stuck I would recommend going to a real estate meet up where you would interact with active real estate investors.

You can get a MLO but I would recommend talking with a title/closing company to confirm what requirements you need to meet.

Once an investor selects the market and provider they want to work with, the provider sends them properties that best meet their criteria and they choose whichever one they like best.

The best way to meet people in person is by going to local REI events.

Nice to meet you @Matthew Kimball! 

There is an investor group that meets monthly at the Perkins in Pittston. 

We'll get building permits this week once our electrician meets with the city inspector.

Recently joined a group in Salt Lake City, with National Reach.Yesterday called a guy i met at last weeks' meeting to begin discussing a zoning issue and his interest in a property if I get it zoned commercial.Search for National Real Estate Investors Association Find the Association in your area.  

Also make sure you're getting out and meeting people at meetups and events.