Also, I am from AL and grew up in the northshore (Newburyport if you know it).

I grew up in Conroe/The Woodlands not far from Spring - always happy to have a Texas native on the forum :) Like @Sarita Scherpereel said, the meetups in Houston are great to attend, network, and help educate! 

I grew up in Traverse City and help my parents manage their portfolio of STR in that area.

I grew up in Toledo and spent a lot of time in MIchigan.

I grew up with these things and I know things change rapidly, including strength and direction, but how do you handle this with renters that are booked to be there during this time?  

I also always worked in construction in some shape or form (i grew up in it) and frankly I just love doing the physical labor.

Get through a few deals and then pay the HELOC back and use the profits moving forward.Philly is my backyard, I grew up there.

I'm in Downingtown, but grew up in WC. 

I'm no longer active in Ft Lauderdale but grew up there and have an extensive network.

I can’t speak much about other markets, but as someone who started off in Columbus, and grew up in Cleveland,I would say, the Ohio market in general is a very beginner friendly state.