There was a time when I networked at Meet-ups and other real estate related gatherings but i am not afford the flexibility to do so in volume. 

But it's rapid price growth and sales activity could indicate a more volatile market, with the potential for corrections if demand slows as affordability becomes an issue.

You can't afford to wait to act any longer.  

Only other advice I have is to try to find a quad, not a duplex, in the nicest neighborhoods you can afford.

My biggest conundrum now is I want to be my own GC because even when I play with smaller numbers they’re still out of reach for me to be able to attain this goal and afford the monthly mortgage with taxes and insurance.

., get a higher paying job, work two jobs, go to trade school, get a higher paying degree, live in affordable area, etc...these are things that most of us did).

This is mostly due to affordability and for potential ARV options.I had a good friend buy a property in Indianapolis off of Union Street for $60K she put $48K into the home which was a total dump and was able to refinance the home to pull cash out in 12 months.

A lot of investors based in markets like California and New York are choosing to purchase their investments OOS in the Midwest because of the affordability and numbers making more sense.

@Adam Luepke Yes, there are plenty of more affordable rental opportunities in MO.

Moving inland, Dover presents a more affordable option with rising demand for multifamily units and a steady rental market, though its short-term rental potential is less robust than coastal towns.