Hello, BiggerPockets community!

Depends on the focus of the reia.

I am just getting started in my real estate investing journey and I received an unsolicited message from Cogo Capital, a hard money lender focused on investors.

I have some rentals but they are not my focus.. 

I've had a long career in community development and have a lot of bank contacts that would likely be interested in investing, but I'd need to prove the concept first with an initial fund (there are also a lot of other community development tools that could be leveraged to maximize and scale this).

I could use some help, and likewise would love to bring business to those in the community here.1.

Quote from @Chris Pontello: Hi BP community!

The FHA rules/regs (in particular the FHA self-sufficiency test) are applied the same across all markets, and I know for a fact that in rural communities across the country, and big cities that are not particularly desirable places to live, it's not a deal-breaker, I am not commenting on those areas. 

The other thing I have done especially if we are approaching winter months is just tell the insurance company that we will have them done in spring.

Prices remain relatively low, but appreciation may be slower.Monroe: A mix of cash flow and appreciation potential, Monroe has become a popular choice for investors, especially in areas where new developments are popping up.Appreciation-Focused NeighborhoodsBallantyne: A well-established area with high demand, Ballantyne offers excellent long-term appreciation potential, though cash flow opportunities may be limited.South End: A booming urban hub with a vibrant retail and restaurant scene.