I would encourage you to check out some of my posts on Market Data in NC, I have some of the most popular areas in NC broken down in easy to digest data.

Surprised Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is not on this list.Places like Joshua Tree are popular but also very saturated. 

Another idea is talk to title companies to see who's the most popular real estate agent and buyer who comes into their office all the time.

As for the HELOC, the more I research the more it matches your comment regarding using it for home improvements / flips so I may sit on that for a little bit until I educate myself further on those topics.As for raising capital, I have read the private lenders are a popular way and hard money loans which I do not fully understand yet.

Any sense of FF loosing popularity?

We’re 10 minutes from a popular lake and my current str has surpassed my expectations.

FasterFunds Lending, a hard money lending who focuses on the Saint Louis Market has a unique take on hard money lending that I would think should be more popular.1.

Plus, with a great central location, it is one of the more popular STR buildings in Waikiki.  

Quote from @Clarence Harvey: Quote from @Wale Lawal: @Clarence HarveyCleveland is a popular market for real estate investors, especially those planning house hacking, rentals, and BRRRR strategies.

It's not a popular sentiment, but sometimes just giving to help someone else is the right thing to do!!!