I am about ready to just manage myself from out of state and have a couple of local handymen help me out when things come up.

We've worked with local banks and been able to finance the three we own without any issues.I don't necessarily know if it's "beginner" investor friendly but you'll learn everything you need in the bootcamp which is the gold standardWe get loans with 3-7 year balloons and 25 year amortization typically

@Michael VelezThe best thing you can do is join a local real estate investing club.

Cold outreach, networking events, referrals, or something else?

I am looking to meet lots of new friends in the Charlotte area who are interested in real estate... so, if you know of any good meet ups or groups or events, please send them my way! 

Hi does anyone have experience with providing direct STR stays (so not through Airbnb or VRBO) and charging, collecting, and remitting the local Chicago hotel tax?

One needs to have outstanding local market knowledge to underwrite effectively. 

If they do, your best bet is a local community bank that funds these types of properties.Another option is a private lender but that money will be pretty expensive, as mentioned 10%  + 

This would allow you to access some cash for other purposes ( Tax Free) because a refinance is not a taxable event.

Right now, I’m in full research and networking mode—learning about Milwaukee’s neighborhoods, connecting with local investors, and exploring my first investment.