But I'm also of afraid of missing out on a good opportunity to get a townhome in a expensive popular area at the price point and interest rate I find to be favorable. 

They know the Fed is up against rocks with no easy way to go.

The more popular posts and youtube videos talking about investors killing it and sitting back for mailbox money should be looked at with skepticism. 

Although I suppose if their rentals are rock solid and totally perform you can take that risk..

So apparently you've been living under a rock because there is a mob of people worshiping a guy who's name rhymes with "Orby", who all but uniformly do things in a callous, reckless, wildly INCORRECT manner. 

Popular theme that can be difficult to execute however increasingly there are borrowers with pandemic era mortgages that are selling and the mortgage can essentially transfer (be assumed) by the next owner.

The book 'How to win friends and influence people' is also very good and more popular.

You say that they weren't popular before but are now.

Quote from @Chad Rocke: @Trace AdamsI am doing this exact same strategy nearby.I am an investor friendly agent as well.

Pockets I would suggest would be Miami Gardens close to the hard rock stadium, Hollywood, north Miami /north Miami Beach as well.