Zillow's API is no longer offered (or they make it extremely hard to access these days - have had no luck finding an updated link/page for it), Redfin has broad-stroke CSVs you can download that only give 5-10 fields of info and not often at the metro area, you can't legally create a tool to crawl these websites...I'm looking for 1 (or a handful of sources) to pull together basic metrics at the metro/city level for US real estate.

.: Quote from @Dave Skow: @Miguel Suarez- thanks ...I would  suggest  getting  completely pre approved with a lender that is licensed in these states  before spending too much time on finding a property or location ....thanks Are you in a bank or a mortgage company that has access to hundreds of lenders?

They also run the risks of high levels of regulatory pressure and litigation by virtue of their renting to legal wards who have access to free lawyers and zealous bureaucrats who see independent investors as a crop to be harvested.

The hedge funds and International investors have been pouring into both metros and both are consistently on every list as growth hubs.As was mentioned, the Brightline will only enhance access to other major metros like Miami and Tampa, we are going to see much more growth in the space industry (again), not landlocked and not as vulnerable to hurricanes.

You mentioned that taking out a HELOC would cause you to sacrifice your 2.75%, that's the benefit of a 2nd lien, you don't touch your first while accessing the equity and adding a 2nd! 

You can access lots of background on the Company and the topic on their You Tube channel.

If the tenant is not allowing access to do a repair (NEVER in 10 years has this happened to me) you put a 24 notice on the door and go in.

The biggest advantage of being an agent is having access to the MLS; besides that, if you have an educated fiduciary, I see no need to hire a realtor to represent you on a deal you have already identified. 

However, if you think rates will decline in the next 2-3 years and you're deal flow will be intermittent (i.e. 1-2 deals a year with some months without activity) I would lean more towards the HELOC as you only pay interest on the amount you access/withdraw.

They have access to multiple lenders and can offer more personalized advice.Good luck with your next house hack and Airbnb venture!