I work with a lot of high earners and have a few friends of friends that are doctors and lawyers.

The whole thing is not beginner friendly….  

A lifelong friend and I are motivated to (virtually) meet and connect with those in REI working in the Pittsburgh area.I'm active duty military and living in California with two rental properties (one in Virginia Beach & one in Pittsburgh) and my close friend owns a single family in Baltimore.  

That’s the kind of agent you want in your corner, especially in a competitive market like San Antonio.While I haven’t worked with him directly, I’ve spoken with an investor friend who did.

I recently helped a friend who was in a similar position - looking to tap into equity for a rental property purchase in Phoenix.

God speed friend!

If you are in a state where eviction cost is high and it is tenant friendly you may need a higher credit score to offset default risk and eviction cost.If you are in a landlord friendly state where it is easier to get non paying tenants out you may be able to handle more none payment risk.  

Rodrigues' recommendation may change this), but my next question would be, are there any cities/markets where 1 of the following are true: 1) You have family/friends that live there, 2) You travel there frequently (either for vacation, work, etc.), or 3) Somewhere else you've lived before AND know the area well?

I got the property off-market for $250k from a trusted family friend.

I would advise finding an investor friendly realtor when you choose a market.