There's a decent amount of posts in this subforum about investing in specific upstate NY markets that I would certainly checkout/dig for.

Maintain good business practices an carry a decent insurance company.

Think of it as the rough sketch that helps you figure out where you want to swim: Omaha’s stable single-family rentals with decent cash flow and strong appreciation potential, the sizzling up-and-coming pockets around San Antonio where off-market deals still lurk if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, or those tight-knit Chicago neighborhoods where a trusted investor-friendly agent can point you to contractors who won’t ghost you mid-reno.

And then reality kicks in - the construction was painful - finding decent contractors, inflation, scope creep - all the usual **** made worse by the fact that nothing is particularly easy in costa rica besides ordering cocktails.

Finding a decent contractor might be one you want to spend more time on in the start since it could take longer to find.

Are there decent 15% or 20% options out there for purchases in Alabama?

If you can get it at less than 50% of its ARV, you’re probably in a decent place to sell it to an investor, but it’s hard to say without more insights. 

There are many people that FOMO bought in the last 18 months and are desperately trying to get out now at decent losses.

You really need consistent posting, engaging content, and good timing to even have a shot at reaching the right people.

Many of my decent wholesalers present failed flips for someone else to take over.