Planning to relocate to the Southeast (SC, NC or Georgia) in 2026 and want to start out by investing in single-family rentals, condos and joining real estate investment groups to invest in multi-unit or commercial properties.My investing goals consist of cash flow for consistent monthly payments and equity for bigger purchases down the road.Looking forward to building a network of real estate professionals and investors to help find new opportunities, stay on top of market trends and provide value to other investors and tenants.Any tips for new investors would be appreciated.Best,Brett HarmonTwitter

The reality that neither view is realistic or probable.The best advice I can give would be to underwrite for long-term leases as that can be an acceptable exit strategy, but be prepared to execute well on your MTR strategy (great interior design along with profesisonal photos and concierge servive). 

More markets are creating "Good Cause Eviction" laws designed to protect tenants from unfair evictions.

Ensure your pricing is competitive and that your minimum nightly stay aligns with market trends.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

We could sell that house by itself, but it would be sold under a land in common agreement and an HOA would need to be formed.I also confirmed with the Public Works department that a 2nd driveway can go in, with a septic designer that there's room for second septic tank, and with the public water company that they can tap into the main water line from one of the neighboring roads.I'm sure there are some more details that I would need to iron out that the code officer didn't bring up, but the high level answer I was looking for is that my town does allow selling off a second house under the LD 2003 legislation.

Here's some guidance on buying your first investment property in Southern California or Columbus, Ohio:Down payment:For investment properties, lenders typically require 15-30% down payment on your first investment15% down is possible with excellent credit (700+ score)20-25% down is more common, especially for multi-unit propertiesSection 8 considerations:Pros:Guaranteed portion of rent from governmentPotential for longer-term tenantsMay be easier to fill vacancies in some areasCons:More paperwork and inspections requiredRent amounts set by local housing authorityPotential property damage concernsOther tips:Research local markets carefully - price trends, rental rates, etc.Factor in all costs - taxes, insurance, maintenance, vacanciesConsider starting with a single-family home or small multi-unitBuild a team - real estate agent, property manager, contractorsHave cash reserves beyond just the down paymentUnderstand landlord-tenant laws in your chosen locationI'd recommend talking to local real estate agents in both areas to get more specific market insights.

From hidden structural issues to last-minute design changes, these can add up quickly.

The entire system is designed to just be this 1 thing, color int he lines, don't venture out, just follow these steps. 

Quote from @Jackson Ebersole: Hi Piper,It's always smart to flip properties in-state, and I'd like to share some updated insights on why this approach is beneficial, especially in the New Jersey area.Lenders typically feel more comfortable with in-state flips because:You can manage the rehab more easilyYou have better knowledge of local real estate trends and valuesYou can respond quickly to issues or make decisions fasterThere's a lower risk of fraud or being taken advantage of by distant partnersI can help you with recommendations for the New Jersey market:North Bergen: Continues to show strong potential, with average profits now around $150,000 per flip and a gross ROI of 85%.Willingboro: While specific flip numbers aren't available, the market remains active with a gross ROI now averaging around 130%.Gloucester City: Still a top performer, with gross ROI hovering around 180-190%, though still on smaller profit margins.Irvington: Home values have continued to rise, with a 20% increase over the past two years.East Orange: Has seen steady growth, with home values up by about 16% since 2022.Paterson: Experienced a 14% increase in home values over the last two years.Additionally, Jersey City and Newark have emerged as promising markets for flips, with strong appreciation rates and growing demand.