If you're going to start in a market you're eventually going to live in, I think that's a stronger case for that market."

Also zeroing in on what markets you want to work in is something you should probably think about doing.

The market I'm working in is totally locked up.

Quote from @Robert Jones: @Kristi Kandel what market are you in? I

Understand what you are investing in....is it a secured loan, unsecured loan, membership interest in an entity that deploys capital like a feeder fund or direct membership interest in an entity that is the deed holder? 

Check out Furnished Finder, Airbnb and VRBO (30+ day stays) to get a good idea of what else is out there in the area of El Paso you are looking in. I

A few others have me mentioned other rust belt cities reviving because of cheaper housing prices, rising rents, and new business moving in.  I

I'm trying to narrow down some options and do a deeper dive on maybe 2 or 3 of the best potential markets to see which one makes sense to start in. I

The way I countered this (still not as good as buying a note with idle cash but I have checkbook control) is the money paid out from a note fund I invested in is at Axos bank.

It is true that you are able to find deals in every market, but one of the things I have learned is that finding the best markets to invest in is better that trying to make deals work in a bad market just because it is close to home.To answer your other questions.