There are a lot of work opportunities in NYC of course.

It sounds like you navigated the challenges well and gained valuable lessons for your next venture.

I have an opportunity to invest in Little Rock, AR and wanted to get opinions on the area.

It will make the loans more valuable if you ever decide to sell them and decreases the chances of default. 

Instead I want to take advantage of the opportunity I have of living rent free to invest my time and money in STR's to hopefully build that portfolio up and eventually make that my main source of income (I understand that will take time).

Real estate wealth is built through long term price appreciation, property becomes (usually) more valuable over time, especially if purchased in areas that have either gone through development or redevelopment.  

You have been given valuable advice from multiple angles here.

While prices have risen, there are still opportunities with the right approach.

But it sounds like a good opportunity for someone like Eric and many other Canadians. 

I've never done any Sacramento STR loans and only been hit up for one potential financing opportunity there.