[nuttle]

I sent you a Private Message, but some teams from abroad have partnered with a US team. This can be a big help in getting parts, advice, and some logistics -- for example, it can be a big pain to transport batteries and a team that doesn't have to fly has an easier time. In any event, I'm sure there are lots of teams that would be happy to help, whether you meet them at an event or find such a team in advance and arrange to attend the same event.

One thing to consider is it will be closer to fly to events on the East coast, also there will be fewer time zones to cross this way.