The best projects I've seen from my desk are folks who are doing hyper-targeted, well-researched deals that are generally in higher cost of living (there are exceptions) areas. 

Starting out, buy a shabby condo and live-in/flip it.

Convince yourself that there's a better than average chance that you will lose, and if you can live with the time, energy and money spent if you do. 

So you need to live there.

Hi Mathew,We live in Greensboro, which area of Greensboro is the house located in?

The only reason I like it is that I live here and have systems to buy deals under market value.  

Hey Dan, renting to a sober living operator can be a great idea.

Quote from @Scott Mac: Safety - Inherit a fully paid for SFH, in decent condition, in the neighborhood you live in, and rent it out to long term tenants who you are comfortable with.

I'm quite not 100% on wether or not if I purchase my first investment property where I currently live (Virginia) (*which I will be*). should I also gain my license here since I'll have a property within Virginia.

But, I'm fairly risk averse, and do live in a heavily tenant leaning area as far as regulations and court judgements.