You are going to pay more for something new so you might take a look on the local Craigslist, FB marketplace or OfferUP and see what is out there.

Have you connected with local investor meetups or REI groups?

If your really needed it one could also consider hard money though that will come with higher rates and getting someone to give you 300k first time might be harder than just getting loan then you could refinance it later.Since your a high net worth person I would also try talking to local/regional and even big bank lenders.

My father was a member of the IBEW out of Local 6, so I have a deep respect for your profession.Are you planning to use the BRRRR strategy on a 4-unit, or are you leaning toward a turn-key investment?

RE is local.     4.  

Unfortunately, every state and every locality has different laws and what works in one location doesn't always work in others, so you have to be very careful about the 'free' advice that is given in online forums. 

I'm a local realtor and investor, so I’d love to help you find the right property and navigate the market.

Post the listing, Any local investor would be  able to tell you if you were fleeced in the acquisition, Birmingham is notorious for being different street to street. 500k houses one street over from 100k houses.

The demand for student housing in this area remains strong, driven by the presence of Texas A&M University and its large student population.

The macroeconomics are on fire here - population growth, job growth, and companies moving and developing here.