If you prefer to stay local and build equity, house hacking a duplex or triplex in Fort Lauderdale could work, especially if you can add an STR component to boost income.

You'll notice in new construction areas they tend to build the homes on a pyramid. 

On the flip side, if you've got a bunch of Section 8 tenants living in a building that's in a neighborhood where a lot of the tenant base has good jobs, high credit scores, and are generally reliable people, you've got the most risky tenants in that tenant base and that ain't what ya want.

@Amir PortalStarting the BRRRR strategy in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area is a smart way to build your real estate portfolio, especially with the area's growth and rental demand.

The location is in a booming area of McAllen, Tx with almost nowhere else to build and rents have blown up the last few years.  

@Tyler GarzaYour "buy a new house, rent the old one, and trade up" strategy is a solid way to build wealth, but there are a few key factors to consider.

The seller has the two lots legally separated, but due to deed restriction imposed by the subdivision development, found that building a house on the “tennis court” lot was not allowable. 

Build equity while gaining experience as landlords.

-Build a strong network in Detroit of real humans over a period of months, buy a better deal, hold it for 10+ years, weather early storms:  better chance for success.Even on that latter deal though, are you going to cash flow in month 1 or year 1 or even year 5? 

Build a financial history with your LLC.