Criteria:6 months STR2 bd, 2 ba, Single Level House Furnished with yard, washer & dryer with A/C (inland not near coast)Pet Allowable 40 lb labodor 10 yrs, 40 lbs Red Heeler Mix and 6 lbs catNear VA Hospital, shops, grocery stores (at least 25 minutes commute)

At the time I looked, 20 or so years ago, the problem with smaller down towns is the proliferation of nearby strip malls, where the stores are surrounded by a large parking lots, and for laundromats, attract more customers as they can park easily, walk to adjacent stores for shopping, snacks, and browse newspaper and magazine racks, which explains why they do better, there's more customers.

Shopping around, I also spoke with a second lender.

For example if there is a Starbucks there, typically there can't be a competing coffee shop in the same plaza. 

I have been investing since 2008 and have purchased everything from single families and duplexes, to 250+ unit multifamily, to assisted living, to shopping centers, to industrial and more.

To start I made sure that I found a majority of my furniture from locally sourced companies such as thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, mom-and-pop shops, and so on because I felt if I'm going to do this right I want to support the local community I am investing into. 

If you’re nervous, dig into local investor clubs.. from what I’ve heard, even in London you’ll find groups meeting over coffee, talking shop, and sharing leads.

Find an Insurance Broker that can shop the market.

I enjoy networking and talking shop. 

But I am still shopping before making up my mind.