For me, it made more sense to invest out of state in a landlord friendly state.

I would add a step, that although is optional, is often used: Form an LLC, specifically for the use of IRA funds.

I got into the industry primarily to learn about real estate investments specifically long term rentals/ the BRRRR method so when it comes time for me to do my own deals I have the confidence and knowledge to do so.

Hello Everyone, apologies for the longer post but I am interested in what someone would advise in my situation to be able to become a full time real estate investor as soon as I can. Some background I am 21 years old ...

What would you advise I do you have for me on this topic?

You can spend as little as $100 to form an LLC, or you could use an attorney and spend $1,000 or more.

Ultimately, my vision is partnering with a private lender so I can spread my funds across multiple deals at once and scale quicker; I'm really happy so far with my agents, contractor, and refi lender, so I feel like getting a great lender would be the next step for me.

As it is, there are more households forming than there are new construction starts coming online. 

We basically veered off when we allowed him to say it will not be much and considered our past jobs together as a form of someone not trying to pull this sort of stunt.  

Today, he was showing me a property I had asked to see and he let me know he had another one coming soon that he thought would be a good fit for me.