Why type of price point are you looking, what anticipated ROI/cash flow, how much time do you want to be involved in, what is your risk threshold, how long do you plan to hold the property, are you looking to invest locally or open to exploring other markets, etc.? 

if not, i'd stay local. 

Even breed restrictions imposed by local law do not apply to service animals.

But I’m wondering if it would be worth working with a local agent for the first one? 

Tidewater Real Estate Investors Group There’s also some local meetups, I’ll message you

It sounds like you’re in a solid position with your skills, VA loan access, and local handyman expertise.

Our electricity bill went from $4100 / year to $833/year (with added 2 EVs)With that being said, to answer the question of ROI, it is SO dependent on your usage and local pricing scheme, and you really have to do your own homework to dial in the right system set up to achieve the optimal results.

It does make the local area not as "hot' for investing as it used to be. 

The idea is to chat about local market trends, share insights, discuss what’s working (and what’s not), and, of course, enjoy a drink together!

Find off-market deals, run conservative numbers, stick to one market first, network with local REI groups, and stay patient.