I live in the greater Naples area.

It's near where I live though.

On the flip side, if you've got a bunch of Section 8 tenants living in a building that's in a neighborhood where a lot of the tenant base has good jobs, high credit scores, and are generally reliable people, you've got the most risky tenants in that tenant base and that ain't what ya want.

If you live in CA investing in Alabama, OH, or TX might not make sense.

I have several current and former clients that have done similar projects, mostly in neighborhoods where either 1) they grew up in the neighborhood, 2) they still go to church in the area, or 3) they have a relative that still lives in the area.

Usually living in it for a few years may be enough for it to cash flow positive when you move out.  

I think most people are content with a decent tv in a comfy living room. 

live in sarasota and am mobile

If that is the case, then you are good to go.Next thing will be to not rent anything until you get a real live lease and rental agreements.

You want prospective tenants to come see it, walk it, imagine living there so don't get in the weeds on the details or offer photos that aren't great.