Also, you could also hang out at some local ice rinks where people take their kids to hockey practice!

Localized knowledge for an agent or investor is needed to answer most of these questions.

I mean by safest is on the volatility, for example STRs have many different factors, seasons of the year, local government regs and much more.

Would love to connect with local RE agents and have an idea of the market situation in SA.

there's people out there who will fund downpayments for equity in the deal or a preferred return. hit up local meetups and facebook groups and have some conversations

In my experience, success in D-class areas almost always requires being local, extremely hands-on, and self-managing.

They often have different vendors introduce themselves so you can build your team and they often have a local member do a case study on one of their properties to share the ins, outs, ups, and downs of the investment.

He's a local CPA that is great. 

Start by getting familiar with your local market.

Hey @Aaron Price, I think the best way you can get started in real estate is to reach out to local investor-friendly agents in your market.