The STR market here has become way more saturated and competitive especially in San Juan. 

Then the turnkey operator sells the property at the market value to the investor who pays market price of around $200,000.

Since I'm based in Tampa, I don't look outside and compare markets. 

For those who have or had section 8 investments (especially in my market) how would you describe your experience?

Here’s why this market is so ripe:1️⃣ Mom-and-Pop Sell-Offs at Huge DiscountsA lot of these properties have been in the same family for decades, but now the kids aren’t interested in taking over the business or the real estate.

Much like other markets in the Midwest, investors go to our market because of the low barrier to entry.

There are really great REI opportunities in different markets - markets in the Midwest and Southeast of the country are particularly lucrative - where not only are the purchase prices reasonable for most RE investors, but the homes are turnkey (new builds or completely rehabbed homes, tenant ready, systems 10 years of life remaining on them, property management teams in place) with appreciating home value AND appreciating rent.

You could put most of your funds in the stock market and access them when needed for a HML.

While @Phillip Austin mentioned Raleigh is a higher returns its just very much a appreciation market, you will not find rentals that cashflow, so depending on your goals its a good or bad market.

From my experience, cities like Greenville, Columbia, Augusta, Huntsville, Chattanooga, and Jacksonville offer strong house-hacking opportunities with growing job markets, solid rental demand, and affordable multi-family options.