Your goal is to move from hesitation to execution faster than I did.If you’ve been stuck on the sidelines, overanalyzing and waiting for the "perfect" deal, here’s my best advice:✅ Stop chasing the perfect deal.

Don't see a reason to arbitrability only look at one or the other, just do the best deal available. 

It's also worth speaking with a local real estate agent to identify the best neighborhoods for rental income potential.

They are a great person & I wish them the best of luck for future work.However, I'm somehow unable to justify the $25k+ I am expected to pay to them as commission on each $1M invested.If I am researching the market myself, creating comps myself, reviewing each disclosure myself, working with the mortgage lender myself, finding problems in the homes myself -  what is the value add that the agent is bringing to the table that I can't execute myself?

Wishing you the best on that first deal!

Keeping your STR local would be the best case.

With the down payment you're putting down (assuming it's at best 25%) with current interest rates, you're maybe going to be scraping a couple of backs cash flow on a Class C+ property. 

Go look at new car prices:(What is the $200 admin fee?

Looking forward to meet new folks here. 

The key is to analyze occupancy rates, seasonal fluctuations, and what type of properties perform best.