And you must use all of your net proceeds.Here's the other shoe dropping however. 

I'd like to invest back home in Ohio eventually (I lived in both Columbus and Dayton for about 5 years each), but I'm much more comfortable starting with something I can see regularly. 

The wealth of information from this group will help you feel comfortable when you purchase your first property.

I’m active duty Air Force and maxed out my VA loan with three properties.Birmingham has some cheaper properties, but may not bring the cash flow that STRs in Florida might bring.It all depends on your timeline, numbers, funds, and comfort level.

However, the time I could spend in Atlanta before buying might help me avoid headaches by getting to know the market even better than my research.I currently do not have an investor-friendly agent there, but I do have a real-estate contact here in Boston who lived there for 20 years.I am interested to hear your thoughts and what you'd do, if you were in my shoes.

That could be a very well invested $100 or so.Additional expenses I add are municipal inspection fees, inflate the cost of all repairs if your prop mgt company is handling them for their load onto the repair cost and utilities while you hold the property initially and with turnovers.Overall, I wouldn't say this is a bad idea if you know what you are getting into and are comfortable with it.

Hi @Rita SamaddarI recommend areas based on three things:Budget: Knowing your cash to close helps me suggest the best areas, especially if you're using a hard money loan.Rehab Level: Whether you prefer low or major rehab impacts the neighborhoods I'll recommend.Market Dynamics: Areas with minimal days on market are ideal, as they predict how quickly your property will sell post-rehab.In conclusion, start with how much you have to work with and the level of rehab you're comfortable with to find the best areas for fix and flip.

Most investors in your shoes start out usually in midwestern markets that are booming. 

Find one that you feel comfortable with and use them for their knowledge and expertise.  

It would be difficult to get any inquiries for MTR with an empty property even if you note that it will be furnished because they don’t know what “furnished” is going to look like (style, comfort level, etc.)’If your ideal target market is travel nurses I would start there.