Starting locally vs. out of state:I always recommend starting locally if it aligns with your goals.

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

I’ve never sold a note so going to ask some information from the experts.

I'm not sure why not - one of the great parts about real estate investing is that you can build a team around you for aspects you aren't as strong at or simply want to delegate to someone/expert and do the others yourself - look up "Core 4" for example - where you can have an agent, lender, manager, contractor all at once for your investments and can theoretically just let them do all the interactive work

As a newbie, I’d love to connect with local investors and agents to learn more about the area and refine my plan.

Would greatly appreciate advice from all of you BP experts!  

Remember, the notion of amassing wealth without investing is a dangerous myth perpetuated by self-proclaimed experts.

Everyone follows these so-called "experts."

Remember, the notion of amassing wealth without investing is a dangerous myth perpetuated by self-proclaimed experts.

I'm not a climate or weather expert though.