I'd recommend having enough to close on the deal + rehab + $5k in reserve as a minimum. 

Below is some copy & paste info about our methodology:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Hey @Kevin Connauton, I recommend reaching out to @Matt Solis when you get a chance.

I would recommend tuning into Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast and going to local meetups. 

Does anyone have a recommendation of a national collection agency that is effective?

I am starting with a small budget(100k-120k) so trying to understand which neighborhoods I should focus on, would love to get recommendations if you have :) I live south of the city and only like to go about 30 minutes away from home. 

@Rosmery Then PM me if you still need a few contractor recommendations. 

Any tips?

From what I read (last week when someone else asked a similar question), only foreigners who are permanent residences or some of those here on work visas are allowed to buy a home. 

Unsure about STR regulations in Charleston but I would advise you to search "arbitrage" on this forum and read up on the hundreds of pros and cons responses here before diving in to any market using the arbitrage model.