Sure, all channels can work, even seller financing or foreclosures, but in my experience, a well-connected agent can uncover hidden gems that often outperform the trickier avenues.Since the post is still fresh, I’m curious.. do you foresee other potential add ons that might elevate the returns even further, like corporate housing partnerships or short-term seasonal leases?

@Colin Ford recommend getting experience with your RI duplex before going OOS.You should DIY manage the unit next door, so you LEARN about property management, the goog, the bad and the ugly.Then you'll be so much better prepared to invest OOS!

And should I get a degree or any academic qualification to have more experience and knowledge about real estate?

Miami is still doing well, Fort Myers is adjusting and has lower real estate than 12 months ago, etc..)My simple thought, for what it is worth, is choose a place to live and not invest in:  choose the location you and your family WANT to live in ( because of the schools, taxes, weather, other family there, etc...) and then buy and do real estate there (and get whatever licenses you need once you start third party management).I wish you well!

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

Glad you have experience investing locally. 

In our experience, things move in ebbs and flows and the speed of rental depends on your asking rents relative to competition.For example, there was a period of several months at one of our properties when a 3 or 4 BR unit came on the market it rented almost instantly. 

I am keen to learn from the experiences of seasoned professionals and collaborate with fellow investors who share a passion for real estate.

While I’m not a newbie, I own two condos as long term rentals, I live overseas and thus my real estate experience is overseas.

Sounds to me like an investor turned down the deal because after finding out the actual payoff, suggesting the numbers are not investor worthy.