You will probably be better served picking one location and knowing it well rather than using a wide net of locations till you get some deals under your belt.

@Tonya Sanders Welcome and hope you are staying cool!

The Sun belt seems to be gaining momentum with TX and FL leading the way.  

After I get a few investments and experience under my belt, maybe a partnership with them is in the future.In the meantime, I'll keep calling banks until someone says yes.

I know because of my age people might not take me as serious, so I want to get as much knowledge under my belt as I can.Do you guys have any advice on what I should be studying now?

Companies are moving down to Nashville, folks losing manufacturing jobs in the rust belt are moving down here, and it is such a “trendy” city.

I'm also a newbie from Utica, sounds like you've got some good experience under your belt. 

Is there anyone out that that is still pretty new but has maybe 1 or 2 deals under his/ her belt that has some experience working with contractors/ agents/lenders, etc.

She had 25 years under her belt and was a wealth of knowledge.If I were to do it again, I would find the fastest and cheapest way to get licensed (online perhaps) and find a mentor or a team to join.

Also, I have a few deals under my belt.