I own a duplex on the south shore and am seeking tenants for one of the units. Someone who just wants a tour of the apartment asked about the lead status and I told her it's unknown. She asked if I could "find out" be...

COVID made it difficult to flip houses because of the lack of workers.

In towns like New Castle and Ellwood City, you'll often find steady blue-collar renter demand from manufacturing, healthcare workers, and service industry folks who can't or won't buy.

I am a newer Real Estate Agent, still working a day job from home.
what advice would you give to someone who is learning how to network?

If you are attracting vacation type rentals exclusively that will be tough. 

Basically the reverse of the above.If your in a 3rd world country where it takes you a month to get new blades, where the workers are harder on equipment, where you have a tight window with Dry Season to get logs in out of the forest,     The circular saw will get more production out of the forest versus a bandsaw due to less blade issues and less log handling.  

Representative Monica De La Cruz is advocating for a new visa program specifically for construction workers.

I have several direct relationships to whom I have reached out directly (30+ government workers, navigators, case workers, counselors, etc) and I keep hearing that there are lines out the door, but we cannot seem to find someone to commit.

My name is Robert, I'm a 20yr old 9-5 worker but have been looking into real estate investing for about 2 years now.

Most good GC's will be able to get Subs and Materials at a discounted rate that you will never get....so the actual cost to you may be close to the same.That way, you don't have to: 1) deal with the Sub's crews (you don't know anything about the trades and can be taken advantage of easily), 2) Deal with City Inspectors - they hate dealing with homeowners/Investors, 3) assume any liability for faulty work , 4) worry about Lien Releases and stuff like that, 5) Verify that all subs have Liability Insurance/Bonds/Workers Comp, 6) be involved with materials...picking up, storage, warranties, liabilities, etc....Your time is better spent running your investment business - find a new property to flip, keep your books in order, etc.