I needed to buy my first investment and also needed a place to live.

Very simply, large corporations pay into the tax base of that local community and that revenue is used to improve the community and make it a more attractive place for people to live.

you have most certainly come to the right place to sync up with other investors and learn more about their experiences and trade strategies. 

That's a great place to start, we have over 1000 local members and hold about 20 meet ups a month.

I want to ensure I’m doing this the right way while keeping my finances organized and compliant with any regulations.

Jon, I have done this and honestly their nightly rates in most cases are within $20 per night of my place which doesnt have a pool.

These places can still appreciate and you can check each city's popuplation growth or decline on https://worldpopulationreview.com/.  

Where is the best place that everyone is sourcing their overhead doors from?

With 20 years of experience managing 30+ long-term rentals, a few STRs, and running a property management company in Central Florida, I’ve learned both have their place in a portfolio if you diversify based on your risk tolerance and the timing for your goals.

My recommendation would be to get approved as a Landlord, contact the director's office and request that an inspection be completed before a tenant is selected (sometimes they will do this as long as you select a tenant within 14 days - which you want anyways), and have an online application and screening resource in place.