However, I constantly see syndications advertising very attractive return.  

You jumped in at a $515k purchase and poured in close to a million in cash, then brought it all the way up to a nearly $1.85M sale.

Currently, I'm analyzing different markets to see which one will best match my strategy. I have a cash flow heavy, modest appreciation strategy. I'm noticing there are some really nice cash flow markets in texas, some...

I just happen to live near a STR in Alexandria all of a sudden lol.Some of these are ridiculous, especially the one-hour fix.

AND you get to live near some of the best beaches in the country. 

They can just be too hard to lease.On the other hand, if the area is doing well economically and its occupancy is currently strong (I certainly want a vacant or near vacant property) I think it's worth considering at least.

Check out the "Events" tab here on BiggerPockets to find some near you.

Am wanting to add a STR to my portfolio and thought having one near where I live was a better idea than investing out of state.

A lot of my former clients and people i networked with are investors and they prefer to invest in properties like Collierville, Germantown, and even in Mississippi cities near Memphis like South Haven and Olive Branch!

I'd target areas near colleges or transit hubs for affordable properties, and I’d look into financing options like FHA loans or creative financing to make the most of my capital.