Are there other, more cost-effective alternatives to gain similar support and knowledge?

I generally recommend if you're not going to buy a property in the city/market where you currently live, the next best place to look is where you have family (and presumably a place that you'll visit relatively often and easily).What is your price point and are you looking for turn-key properties or something along the lines of a "fixer upper", assuming you buy in Peoria or a similar priced Midwest market?

Now a "Foriegn National Mortgage" has similarities to those mortgage types but you will pay a higher interest rate and be required to have a higher downpayment as well (usually about 35% down). 

Originally posted by @Eric Mayer: Not sure how much Marijuana you have been around, but some smells terrible and all of that can happen without smoking it inside.

I would assume we are similar in age because you are in college.

Compare similar listings—are they renting while yours sits vacant?

When you own a couple of units, the odds of there being unexpected vacancies that overlap each other are usually low, but when you acquire more and more real estate, the odds of tenants moving out around similar times increases. 

Saw a similar situation with friends.

I'd really appreciate hearing from you if you’ve been in a similar situation or have any insights.

Hi,As someone that moved from CT to SC, I will tell you property taxes here are very low, you would feel the same coming from NY. the 4% for primary and 6% for a rental, at least in Charleston County where I live, is not 50% more it is really x3 more , but still low compared to NY, so while others from SC may see it as high, you may feel it is a bargain.Not only that, being a landlord here is much easier, you actually have rights on your property, which is not really the case in NY/CT.I read your mortgage rates are in the 4's, expect to pay in the 8's right now, so unless your plan to pay cash, which, I personally am not sure I would do for an investment, many reasons for that, it is going to be very difficult to make money. if you are looking for appreciation rather than income, it may make sense.Hope this viewpoint from someone that moved a few years ago from similar place is helpful.