I'm trying to figure out a way to utilize a large storage building at one of my MTR listings in Memphis.

From my best understanding, the city zoning committee seems to turn a blind eye to it (due to the need for housing for students).

And that's best case scenario.

To me it seems way less intimidating to think about becoming a real estate developer in those communities rather than LA, SF, Miami, NYC, etc. 

All good reading and listening, education is best and if you want to learn you have to ingest as much information as possible.I read many books that helped me, but my go-to is listeining to at least 2hrs of podcast with real examples per day.One very important things that "want-to-be" fails is to understand that real estate has many different specialities, so you have to focus your time in your real project.

Totally get that feeling.Wishing you the best on your journey.

Find a good real estate agent that is also an investor specialist and they can help you navigate what will get you your best ROI for your situation.  

However, due to my wife's pregnancy, we decided it would be best to move back to Miami to be closer to family in June 2024. 

One of the best things about VA is you can do a cash-out refinance up to 100% of your home's appraised value.

Leverage, when used correctly, is one of the most effective ways to scale.