Justin, focus on areas which offer a diverse economy, growing population and affordable housing.

There is no reason I have to wait for my diploma to begin my career as a real estate investor.So that you understand my intentions with RE, here are some personal reasons for my particular passion in this business:- It is an art form in my eyes- I had multiple stretches of homelessness in my childhood- I want to build relationships that will benefit future endeavors- I want to create multiple streams of income and bring diversity to my portfolio- Gain capital for other business investmentsThis post is written in effort to find a coaches/mentors/partners in this business.

@Aaron Klatt Gave you some good things to look for, another is job diversity.

Look for markets that have positive population growth, job growth and modern/diverse economies and industries.

At sheriff sale in PA, junior lien positions only have an exemption on transfer taxes for partial value - they are exempt for the part that they financed but must pay transfer tax for the value of the part that was financed by senior liens.The diversion to discuss transfer taxes arose because an earlier reply post on this thread mentioned being a note holder and concern about other potential expenses, hence I mentioned transfer taxes because lots of note buyers are in junior position.It’s not an “impound tax” - it’s known as “poundage” in PA, basically a commission paid to the sheriff when a property sells to a bidder for an amount above sheriff’s costs to conduct the sale.

They overcharge for repairs and make readies as with the transient nature of tenants rely on this to enhance their profitsThought the economy is now more diverse that it used to be, any downtown in troop numbers could hurt As a soldier, you will not be able to easily come in town and take charge. 

I believe in diversity.  

This is the 2nd group that I'm apart of that is centered around REI so I'm looking forward to diving in with such a diverse group of people.My REI goals over the next 5 yrs are to secure buy and hold properties. 

VRBO is bad, I've had nothing but bad experiences (albeit only two) from it.For some reason reviewing isn't in the VRBO ecosystem culture, so it's hard to vet exactly who they are and if they're legit.I had to file a claim because my first VRBO guest cancelled their credit card, which in turn had me return the money.

Check out my profile if you are wanting to know more about me and my experience.San Antonio is a very diverse market with a transportation system that has made our city much different than any other.