Some great responses here.

Anyone in my area that may be able to shed some light I would greatly appreciate it.

Augusta indeed offers great potential with a strong rental market driven by factors such as population growth and a stable job market.

Be prudent and cautious, but take calculated risks.REI meetups are a great place to meet like minded people and connect.

It usually works out if you have a great property because people will say "wow this is an amazing property for a killer deal" and youll end up with a glowing first few reviews if it pans out. then you are off to the races

Great suggestions here Cody, thanks for sharing!

There are some great suggestions here on down payment, interest rate, servicing, and underwriting the borrower.  

Those are great places for meeting people who hopefully at some point will know, love, and trust you and will refer you business. 

Waynesville, a great neighboring town just outside Buncombe that's been pretty great for STR, is starting to talk of a similar ban.

Phoenix contains a rare combination of elements that have created an outstanding market for distressed property investments, including the following:Cost Savings: Distressed properties are sold below their market value and enable investors to take hold of properties at a trifle compared to traditionally listed properties.Strong Market Fundamentals: Being among the fastest-growing cities in the country, Phoenix ensures a high demand in housing and rentals, hence good potential for resale or income from rentals.Value Creation Opportunities: Most distressed properties need renovations; thus, such situations present opportunities for investors to increase equity by adding value.Population and Economic Growth: Phoenix remains among those cities in the country which are attracting more and more residents and business; therefore, this presents good, long-term appreciation possibilities of property appreciation and income creation.Challenges to ConsiderWhile the rewards can be great, distressed property investment is not without its challenges.