The management companies & local investors usually lease places up within 1-2 weeks max (depending on if you want to hold out of higher rents) How would you think about leasing these out? 

We would love to connect with investors, as well as investor-friendly realtors and property managers in the northern Alabama region.Any insights into the local market or recommendations for neighborhoods to explore further would be greatly appreciated.

About me, most of my assets are RE but in another market so I would be diversifying in that market.Potential for appreciation is very uncertain: prices have risen a lot locally lately and are as high as they have ever been, and it’s unlikely higher prices would be affordable by locals.

Larger families, remote workers, or investors could see it as ideal, especially if local schools or amenities like parks, dining, or entertainment are strong.

I’ve had to widen my search radius to smaller suburbs or target properties needing light cosmetic work to make the numbers work.Value-add opportunities: Adding amenities tenants love, like finished basements or upgraded kitchens, seems to justify rent premiums in this market.Navigating the competition:Be creative with financing: Seller financing or partnering with other investors has been helpful to secure deals when conventional offers didn’t cut it.Work with local agents and wholesalers: They often have their finger on the pulse of off-market opportunities, which is critical in a hot market.For those new to suburban Chicago investing, I’d say the key is finding the “sweet spot” neighborhoods—ones on the rise but not yet maxed out in price.

When I ask others at my local meet ups they just reply with "I've been doing it for a while" or "lots of practice."

I financed this property using down payment funds from 403B and a local commercial bank.

I would look into your local Facebook pages for investors as well. 

Granted there is a cost in hiring an agent, Having someone analyze each deal with localized knowledge is worth its weight in gold.

We worked with a lawyer over there who is a US ex-pat who created and registered a local LLC for us, which owns our properties.