It also has the benefit of being local which is great training wheels as you learn how to be a killer host.Now assuming that you mostly want a cool property to stay in sometimes near water and don't want to spend a ton of time managing I really like the outer banks in NC.

Too many people, especially lately, are looking at section 8 as a bulletproof or superior strategy. 

How is it a tax strategy though?

Compare these with potential financing alternatives, like a DSCR loan or other commercial products.Exit Strategy: What’s your long-term plan—hold for cash flow, refinance, or sell?

I’d like to buy the place, renovate it, and then live in it for a few years as my primary while renting out the 2/1, and then ultimately selling or renting out the main house too. wondering what the best purchase strategy would be considering I don’t have the full purchase price in cash on hand?

You will always have to be an asset manager of your property manager as your property manager is not a mind reader for your investment strategy decisions. 

What types of strategies are you interested in?

Quote from @Chris Seveney: Quote from @Keith Wilson: Any feed back is welcome  Have not taken the course but BRRR is basically dead right now due to interest rate environment - so if you take it I am not sure you can implement any training you learn at this time.  

I keep our rentals in great condition so this strategy  make is easy for me.  

Being a subject matter expert and having a clear strategy is far more important than picking a market.