I mean by safest is on the volatility, for example STRs have many different factors, seasons of the year, local government regs and much more.

I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local (DMV) investor.

The BiggerPockets community is great for guidance, but nothing beats local mentorship.

probably a wholesale company.. get a second opinion from a local RE agent so you dont get hosed. 

Localized knowledge for an agent or investor is needed to answer most of these questions.

Nonetheless, it was made possible by a local credit union.

Howdy,I haven't decided if we are gonna manage the property or hire a local area property manager yet.

@Dan Geffen moved down there and knows the area well if you want to connect with a local investor.

About me, most of my assets are RE but in another market so I would be diversifying in that market.Potential for appreciation is very uncertain: prices have risen a lot locally lately and are as high as they have ever been, and it’s unlikely higher prices would be affordable by locals.

There’s huge retal income potential if you nail that balance between improvements that wow tenants and improvements that merely look fancy but don’t justify higher rents.I’d also keep an eye on how your high end plan fits the local demand.