Before getting started, I’d recommend focusing on three key areas:Strategy Selection – Understand the different investment strategies (BRRRR, short-term rentals, etc.) and determine which aligns best with your goals.Market Research – Study the market you want to invest in, including property values, rental demand, and economic trends.Laying the Foundation – Take proactive steps now that will set you up for success later.

Nashville is a ridiculously competitive market.

Hopefully you are starting to see these investments as products and they have a set market price.

Fortunately for me, I started investing a time in the market where everything went up.  

I live and invest in the Lafayette area myself - I own several in the area - broussard, freetown, broadmoor etc There's a decent market here, I think it's somewhat competitive but there is some availability as wellOff-market is the way to go 100%Purchasing a starter home is a great way to get started - I turned my first home into a rental before I even looked into real estate investing.

Unique neighborhood and product within local market.

I think it's very dependent on the property and market. 

No one has a "crystal ball" to time the market perfectly. 

There are no laws restricting mark-to-market rents. 

Focus on learning market trends, property valuation, and different investment strategies.