Goal is to create long sustaining growth and cash flow that I could eventually sell or use to eventually secure a retirement home and place of my choice! 

in the HML space there are plenty of larger firms that do things across the country.. but NO lender lends in all 50 states.

Investing in Memphis, TN could be a great choice! 

As the deal size gets larger, this should get lower. 

Nowadays, the internet has made it easier to network, reach a larger audience, underwrite deals, research a market, and have access to education. 

Lastly, my initial goal is to house hack so I can theoretically live free for a few years, while buying multiple MFH to build a larger portfolio quickly.

When it comes to finding off-market deals, I’ve seen investors have success with a mix of these platforms, but each has its strengths depending on what criteria you’re focusing on:PropStream is a solid choice for in-depth data, including absentee owners, tax liens, code violations, and vacancies.

If that is actually the case - given certain forensic evidence I gather from each call they make, which I keep records of - the unwitting investor using that VA service is potentially on the hook for a larger lawsuit than just for their only intended call.

I wouldn't recommend doing this with a property that is larger than 4 units as these do take more time than others.  

I went from 5 rentals to 19 during that time.I know others who are much better at systems, networking and controlling rehab costs than myself who scaled much larger, much faster, and never ran their own marketing.Hopefully this context helps.