Quote from @Christian Artuso: Quote from @Wale Lawal: @Christian ArtusoSince you're based in Chicago, consider networking with local investors through meetups, real estate investment groups, or BiggerPockets forums to gain insights on the best neighborhoods and strategies. 

Since you're focusing on affordable markets in the Midwest and South, it’s important to verify rental demand, property taxes, and local landlord laws.

It's a local investor meetup that meets on the first Tuesday of every month.

I point them to the local watersports rental company that drops boats and ski's right at the local marina.

I highly recommend investing in a property management software, such as Hospitable, for syncing your calendar, automating messaging, and scheduling cleans, as well as a dynamic pricing tool, such as PriceLabs, for optimizing your pricing based on market demand, local events, and seasonality. 

.• Networking & Local Groups:Engaging with local wholesalers and real estate investment associations can also lead to referrals for quality data sources.

Always recommend local (or at least some level of boots on the group).

Then I'd push those factors out if there were no good comps.  2 miles, 6 months.  2 miles 12 months , etc.It takes some local knowledge to know when you're pushing those parameters out too far to be useful. 

Narrow your top cities, build a local team, and refine your financial analysis to position yourself for success.Good luck!

Local real estate Agent Michael Rush out of Saginaw.