I’m a lifelong learner and exactly doing what you have all suggested- reading, researching, attending meetups, plan to attend conferences etc so I can continue to grow and be knowledgeable in this industry.

I'd recommend the spread on the return and your ability to replace damaged items (local vs. not local, strength of your team) be the determining factors in that decision.

My company owns about 3,000 MF units, along with some retail, industrial, and Assisted Living. 

The largest site is about 1/2 way through building a second phase the size of the first phase.All within 10 miles of the power plant.In Commercial or industrial development, you would need both the track record of success and also the financing.  

However, rates have since moved upward.A 30-year fixed rate mortgage is once again sitting around 7% interest:The real estate industry hoped 2024 would see a recovery in which mortgage rates fell and home sales climbed.

Not just a larger group of attendees, but a group that is beneficial for all who do attend as a result of the strength which each person brings and shares.

I don't have the skill set YET to gauge rehab costs and try to BRRRR, but I'd like to learn.This is definitely a choice but my option is that you will do better if you focus on duplexes and cherry-pick a few SFRs as you come across them.As for your Strengths, it sounds like you have an excellent ability to save and your ability to bulk analyze data will serve you well to identify big-picture areas, property types, and characteristics to focus on.I like that you realize the first investment will not be your best investment.

That's pretty industry standard. 

But it's past time to add some bench strength to force the city to act.  

The Economic Development there is focused on building competitive regional talent, diversifying the regional economy, transforming Montgomery's image and building diverse community capacity.Major economic drivers to the area include Hyundai manufacturing, Maxwell & Gunter Air Force Base, major Amazon distribution, Alabama State Capitol, Alfa Insurance, Kinpak, H2 Pharma, Dollar General transport/logistics, Dow Chemical, and Conner Industries to name a few.