I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.You're feeling FOMO because you see people all over BP, YouTube, and Instagram bragging about their success.

You might need to file 1099s if you used contractors or other people whom you paid for labor:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1167632-expla...

I think the biggest roadblock has been the lack of true testimonials of successful people in these programs.  

Very keen on meeting like minded REI people. 

Often people overthink this.

I'm based in WI and there are several people from NY investing here, some successful and some not---the common thread I see from the ones that are not is that they relied on someone else for information instead of investigating, VERIFYING and doing their own due diligence. 

But many people need to consider if they are financially ready for it or not.

But, had a number of people asking me to reply which resulted into a Ban

The idea of restricting what you do with your own cash, just because it was a refi, is probably unconstitutional.I know a lot of people investing in Texas from both inside and outside Texas.