I think you'll be very happy in the Cleveland / Lorain market as well and I always tons of demand for rentals whenever I list a property in Euclid so that's a great area to target as well! 

You can find online which larger institutions are buying in a specific area and try and reach out to them.

My understanding is that typically, a homeowner must live in the property for at least a year before converting it to a rental.

You are already succeeding by living for free, which will increase what you can save for the next investment.1-2 years later, buy another one and turn the first property into a pure rental.

The S8 program was never designed to put S8 tenants in Class A rentals!

While we currently live in Stephens City, VA, we’re open to investing in other states where the numbers make sense.Real Estate Goals & StrategyInvestment Focus: Buy-and-hold rentals, short-term rentals, and potential multifamily propertiesMarkets of Interest: Open to investing outside of Virginia in cash-flowing, landlord-friendly marketsCurrent Stage: Learning, networking, and preparing for our first investment propertyLong-Term Vision: Build a diversified rental portfolio that provides financial freedom and generational wealthWhy I’m HereNetworking: Connecting with experienced investors, agents, lenders, and property managersLearning: Gaining insights from those who’ve built successful portfoliosCollaborating: Open to partnerships, joint ventures, and creative financing strategiesWith my sales background, I understand the importance of negotiation, deal-making, and relationship-building—all of which I plan to leverage in real estate.

@Kavya VeerapaneniThere is a market for short term rentals in Danbury.

Great points, ZharaBirmingham has relatively steady and diverse rental demand, and I’ve seen many investors I work with have success with C/B class buy-and-holds.Location is key—areas near UAB, major employers, and popular suburbs tend to have the strongest rental demand, while C/D class markets offer solid affordable housing and Section 8 opportunities.

Verifying last 2 years of rental history very important!

It's so much work to furnish and set up a short term rental.