So back to the drawing board, but for myself the big takeaway is to continue on the course that I set out on and too continually learn and stay involved with goals that I set out on and to stay focused.

If you're getting started, I'd suggest focusing on single-family homes in growth areas with strong population trends—let me know if you need help finding the right deal!

Or should I take advantage of my low living costs and focus on investing out of state in a more affordable market?

We also have a huge budget allowance from the city over the next few years to improve public transportation measures within the city.

Wealth Building: Paying off the first STR focuses on cash flow and financial security, while buying another property focuses on scaling and wealth building.

It really depends on your investing goals—some REITs focus more on dividends, while others prioritize growth.

It's great that you're focusing on ensuring full transparency with your property management company.

We pride ourselves in keeping the forums positive, helpful, and focused on real estate (please, no politics, religion, etc.).

Prices remain relatively low, but appreciation may be slower.Monroe: A mix of cash flow and appreciation potential, Monroe has become a popular choice for investors, especially in areas where new developments are popping up.Appreciation-Focused NeighborhoodsBallantyne: A well-established area with high demand, Ballantyne offers excellent long-term appreciation potential, though cash flow opportunities may be limited.South End: A booming urban hub with a vibrant retail and restaurant scene.

For those that do not feel comfortable enough with excel to build out a tool on your own, I would suggest starting by taking excel courses focused on dynamic real estate modeling.