There is a harsh Reality when you start acquiring more units to your rental property portfolio.

Eventually you get enough properties that they can start buying themselves.

Does seasoning start when the property is bought? 

It's no guarantee but it's a good place to start.

There are easier strategies to start your new venture.

Most of us start with cheaper properties, frankly, because often it's the only option. 

I stuck to it and it has treated me well over the years.I did not start investing ( other than buying a home to live in) till many years later..

Major in business (with a real estate focus), start learning through books, podcasts, and investor meetups, and work on building credit and saving money while in school.

That’s a great move—starting early with analyzing deals will put you in a strong position when you're ready to buy.Since you're open to other markets in the Southeast, I’d definitely recommend taking a look at Chattanooga.

If you're going to start in a market you're eventually going to live in, I think that's a stronger case for that market."