Hi @Abigail Veit, also a Raleigh native here :) my advice to you is only applicable if you’re an NC State grad.

Not a native, but I can share any insights here afterward.

It sounds like you may already have the ability to setup a good team in your native Midwest areas...any thought to investing out of state?

My wife and I are both travel nurses and Texas natives looking to turn our lives toward the real estate path. 

Of that, 85 were designated opportunity zones in April.Statewide, Arizona has 168 opportunity zones.The program allowed each state governor to nominate 25% of the qualifying areas as zones.Neidorf said to choose the zones, Arizona cities, counties and Native American communities were asked to nominate 25% of their qualifying tracts, to keep the process fair and proportional."

Are there any venomous snake native to the area that could find their way into the house one night?

A bit about me: I am a Florida native, born in Clearwater.

Speaking as a native Mississippian, people who are looking for a beach vacation go to Gulf Shores or the FL panhandle where the beaches are much nicer.

I'm an Arizona Native but I've only recently moved back to the Phoenix area with my wife of 2 years. 

I am a Phoenix native as well, and I am in the exact stage of REI that you are.