Seek advice from experienced investors or mentors who can provide clarity and guidance in times of uncertainty.

Apologies for assuming the worst, but the post feels more like a pitch or marketing content than a standard forum post looking for help or providing subject matter expertise. 

Can you provide guidance on how to get started and some effective strategies?

I own and invest in Birmingham and would be happy to connect to share insights and introduce you to contacts in my network.I also work for a local property management company that serves many out-of-state investors.If you come across any properties, I’d be happy to provide rental analysis reports based on comparable rentals to help you evaluate potential investments.Looking forward to connecting!

Does it still provide effective results?

Thanks for your time and help,Melissa   I’m going to provide some alternative advice.  

Connect with local wholesalers and investor friendly agents and provide your criteria to start receiving deal flow.

Those that cannot weather the storm get wiped out.Having cashflow positive properties provides a margin of safety you just do not have with negative cashflow.Why are you focused on buying in your backyard? 

I believe it will be enlightening and will provide some clarity to my post.By the way I am retired on RE investing (actually i have made enough money in 3 different sources for most people to retire on any one of them). 

@Marc Zak Using an LLC for each property provides strong liability protection by isolating risks to individual assets, with income and expenses flowing through to your personal taxes on Schedule E.