Out of state offers lower price points and more landlord friendly areas in general (i.e. 

The ONLY reasonable deals are:Appliances when purchased if you have a retailer that offers unlimited repairs/replacement for 5 years for 10% of price.

With rates and lending terms constantly changing, I’d love to hear from those who have recently closed or explored a blanket loan.Which lenders are offering solid terms right now?

They do offer access to mutual funds, but I do not love this option.

Anyone contemplating the types of services some of these providers offer (sometimes into the tens of thousands of dollars) should first be able to articulate why the services are needed and how they will benefit from them.

i.e. getting outbid on offers, properties become unavailable before you get a chance to see them, etc...You are not alone!

There are more cashflow favorable cities than Atlanta but it offers a great mix of reasonable cashflow, growth, and strong appreciation. 

The area has seen growth in both the residential and rental markets, making it a potentially lucrative investment.For financing, you can explore options like conventional loans, FHA loans (for owner-occupied properties), or even local programs that might offer lower down payments for investment properties.

Rentals generate passive income, so an S-Corp offers no added tax benefit.

I'd check local STR FB groups and see if you have a local Real Estate Club.You can offer your services there, maybe for free in exchange for the experience.