Make sure you connect with the NHREIA, great group, they have monthly meetings in Manchester and a busy FB group with 3500+ members.

This is really going to depend on the state you are looking to do business in.

I wouldn't focus singularly on individual city initiatives/projects and would recommend focusing more on fundamentals.

My business partner has two STRs adjacent to ours that has several 1-bed units that rent very well during the week. 

I'm really busy with my w2 job working all the time to fund my investments. 

The liability coverage is way better, the building coverage is often better, and commercial policies typically cover loss of business income as well, which a homeowners policy isn't going to help you with.California + wildfire area + STR is super tough. 

I have experience with this business model. 

The other way I fund deals with none of my own money is using a private lender that I have years of experience and relationship with and/or using HELOC and other business lines of credit.

Whoever gives me the most business and has an excellent close record will first be presented with off-market opportunities. 

So many intellegent and supportive individuals on here, you will get out what you put in.