As a CPA, I would strongly advise you have a balance sheet kept, somewhere. 

I moved from the SF Bay Area to live and invest in Reno, NV because of it being much more landlord friendly, low property taxes, close to Northern CA and Lake Tahoe, strong appreciation, and I understood the market after speaking to a bunch of people and feeling confident about the future here.  

Upon sale, gains are taxed as long-term capital gains, calculated as the sale proceeds minus your adjusted basis (initial investment reduced by any return of capital).

They can guide you on tax advantages, asset protection, and multi-state strategies.A HELOC is a smart way to leverage your equity—ensure your financing structure aligns with your long-term goals.Since you plan to add multiple properties annually, consider setting up bookkeeping and financial tracking systems early to streamline your operations.Best of luck with your BRRRR journey—it sounds like you’re off to a strong start!

Overall great macroeconomics great for investment - there's the booming tech scene, rapid growth in population and the job market, strong rental demand, and landlord-friendly laws.

That is not a benefit for you, nor any kind of evidence that they are worthy of becoming a resident.That issue aside, I would not allow someone with a recent eviction on my property unless the "unfortunate circumstance" was unlikely to recur AND they otherwise have a strong historical track record of making payments AND they would put down a very large security deposit.

@Rachel Seymour-NewtonIf the smaller property is a strong deal with solid cash flow and tenant demand, it could make sense to buy now and start gaining experience.

We could have held off for a higher offer as the market stayed strong.

Leveraging the equity from your house hack for future investments, whether in STRs or larger multi-family properties, is a strategic plan, but ensure your initial property performs well before taking on bigger projects like flipping.

I'm currently biased towards Indianapolis based on its job growth and affordability, but you could honestly find deals in any of the markets you mentioned (and if your heart is set on the Atlanta metro area, I'd strongly suggest the towns Union City and Fairburn based on their growth, appreciation, and price -- I almost closed on a good BRRRR deal in Fairburn but the rehab was just out of my budget).