There are slight Regional variations in labor prices, but it's not as large a discrepancy as people think.

I'm not sure if the program is still going on, but has definitely revitalized a lot of the area when it was once destined to follow the way of other older cities that are aging out of existence both in terms of people and property. 

If people complain about something I dont go right away.

Then, after I had experience and several wins, people were willing to partner with me on deals, or lend to me in second position for a short period of time to help with the down payment and with repairs and then I would pay them back when I would refinance.

People's brains will explode.

Though I have purchased some with a mix where 330+ days a year, people parked in the driveway and the street except when there were snow bans, but there was enough room to fit everyone in the driveway/parking lot, and that was a hassle to deal with some days. 

Would love to connect with people who can give me advice on what to look for or where to study for starting out.

However, a few things you could do: You could talk with them & learn more of their story to figure out why their credit score is low as well as the type of people they are.

I am completely new to the investing side and would love to find something to meet new people/learn as well as learn more about the city. 

Because Airbnb only makes money when the guest books on Airbnb.Hence, they want the price to be cheapest on their platform, so people book on Airbnb instead of elsewhere, and want their properties to be able to compete with hotel prices (even after cleaning fee and service fees).