I’m at the very beginning of my REI journey and I would love some guidance on how I can best optimize my planning, research and saving phase (which I’m dedicating 2025 to).

My plan is to sell my primary home in New York and purchase a house to live in South Carolina.

I've not yet invested in my first property, but I plan to purchase my first one by the end of 2023.

Requires some pre-planning if the ceiling height exists. 

So when you need to go check on things, rent units, meet contractors, etc, you're jumping in the car for 6 hours, spending 1hr there, and I'm thinking after a full days's work. 

Hey @Megan OConnor, I can't comment on the area specifically but it is doable.You need to search AirBNB and VRBO to get a look at the competition (don't forget to look at VRBO)You have to work into your plans the downturn during the off season.

By adopting the house-hacking method—living in one unit while renting out the others—we plan for the tenants to cover the mortgage and gain valuable property management experience.

In some places there are a few days grace period to allow for rent that is sent via mail (which I don't get because if it is due on the 1st, plan ahead). 

I would recommend buying a standard SFH with opportunities for an ADU, or a split floor plan where you could rent out the rooms!

Dont spend your hard earned money that should be going to buy assets for a class..