Here’s why Oklahoma might be a great market for you:Affordability: Properties in OKC and Tulsa are often under $200K and offer strong rent-to-price ratios.Landlord-Friendly: Simple tenant laws make managing rentals easier.Growing Economy: Job growth in energy, tech, and aerospace fuels rental demand.How to Evaluate Deals:Run the Numbers: Ensure positive cash flow, check cap rates (6–10%), and use tools like the BiggerPockets calculators.Find Deals: Network with local wholesalers or agents, and look for value-add opportunities in stable neighborhoods like Edmond (OKC) or Broken Arrow (Tulsa).Let me know if you’d like tips on analyzing properties or finding deals!

6) Finding a lease that complies with all federal, state and local requirements7) Figuring out how to accept rental payments - most Class A tenants won't want to mail you a check.

I am not sure if I should stay local to my market.

Since you're in Destin, you might want to check with local firms that have experience with STR-heavy communities, as they’ll be familiar with the risks and requirements.

For connecting with local resources like mortgage brokers, investors, and agents, the Austin Real Estate Investors Association (REIA) is a great starting point.

Focus on getting pre-approved, analyzing deals in both cities, and networking with local investors to refine your approach.

However, if they are still considered a short-term guest under lodging rules, you may have more flexibility, though the specifics can depend on local regulations in Seattle.Since this can become a legal gray area, I recommend documenting all agreements, payments, and communication with the guest.

Build your network by joining local real estate investor meetups or online communities like BiggerPockets.

I'm looking forward to connecting with other local owners in these markets.

I'm curious to dive deeper into the Santa Fe market and would love to learn from those with local experience.