Any insights/people with experience in this market who can chime in?

The best way to get experience is to do the thing.

Quote from @Shaun Ortiz: Hi Jason,Thanks for sharing your journey—it sounds like you’ve gained some invaluable insights from your experiences, even with the squirrel tenants (that’s definitely a story!).

I prefer markets that experience mild winters to eliminate the added costs brutal winters can bring. 

I would like to keep learning more and hear from others about their experience around the Kansas city area.

Happy to share some out of state investing experiences.

I would try to tie those experiences and skill sets to your REI path.  

On larger deals, I've actually seen LTVs come down in the 50%-65% range, depending on the type of property/experience of the developer.

Are there other pathways I should consider, based on my goals and experience?

I'm trying to gauge your level of experience as I want to make sure my opinions/suggestions about STL S8 properties relate to you.