I'm local to the area you checked into on the post.

I am very involved in our local real estate investor association and agree that in this central Florida market there are an over saturation of STRs as well.

I recommend checking local crime statistics on SpotCrime.

Networking, local meetups, door knocking, mailers, wholesalers, online forums specific to your area of interest.  

Also, connect with local investors—they’re a great resource.

Hey Stefano Vrolijk,Speak with a local mortgage broker and get pre-approved for a loan. 

A single-family home or small multi-unit property can be a great way to dip your toes in the water.Build a Team: Even if you’re planning to handle most things yourself, having a good real estate agent, property manager (if needed), and a reliable handyman can make life so much easier.Learn the Local Laws: Pensacola is pretty investor-friendly, but it’s always good to know local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations if you’re thinking about Airbnb or VRBO.Run the Numbers: Make sure you’re clear on the property’s cash flow potential.

I'm a construction management consultant (so similar to engineering) and investor/agent in the Boston area so I get the need to want/need to stay local.

That can make it easier to communicate the opportunity effectivelyTo expand efficiently, consider targeting local real estate meetups or investment groups San Diego has a strong investor community.

Would definitely check local zoning / code enforcement laws as well.