How to find a face-to-face partner? Chicago metro

If this is the wrong newsgroup, place let me know. It's my
first post on real-estate topics though I've been on UseNet
in general for decades.

How do I find a face-to-face partner to work with? At the office
I've tended to shine when I have at least one other member of
a team to work with. Having tried to start on my own I now get
why people form partnerships when they start new businesses.
The team gives someone to depend on and the knowledge
your partner is depending on you improves dependability.

I've read enough books and taken enough courses that it is
time to get out there and start working in person. Covering
neighborhoods, looking at places, putting in offers. After getting
that first place doing fix-up, renting it out and so on.

Does anyone know where I can find a partner to work with in
the Chicago metro area (NW suburbs or commutible)?

Thanks in advance,
Doug Freyburger