With aging parents I’ve been looking at SC as a STR location until they are ready to fully make the move south. 

(i.e. no market loss, has death benefit, attracted to access before age 59.5, etc..)

I'm trying to do research on what I am in for with getting a home of this age.

Not everybody retires at age 65.

Just be aware you can’t use that cash flow for living unless you are at age to take $ out

If it passes I would probably slowly exit the Virginia counties that create the "anti-rent gouging boards" and look to buy in states that are less hostile to landlords.We already have decided to not buy any more property in Henrico county due to their legislature.

Age, what they do, where they live compared to you, do they have kids, are they working or going to college, are they in the military, do they have businesses, the more you supply, the more ideas. 

Hey Drew, Congrats on starting your real estate investing journey at such a young age.

Common criteria may include, but is not limited to location, prices, property type, size of the property, or age of the property.

Your best bet might be to go to local investor workshops and then find someone very successful where they might take the time to help you out IF they feel you are truly motivated to listen and take action with direction as given.At some point as people age they do want to pay it forward helping others but not those with low motivation or want the easy answers in life with massive results.