@Adam OrtizRecommend 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?

Giving the best quality of service to people is the top priority! 

You might find that installing a mini-split system, properly insulating, and ensuring the finishes match the main home’s quality will make a difference in how the appraiser views it.

Are you using the BRRRR method or buying turnkey?

The article below sheds light on how DSCRs come into play with the BRRRR method.

Then an appraisal works to my benefit and the quality of the property would be very close (as I said the property I purchased had relatively cosmetic renovations such as painted cabinets).

The right idea is going to be the bread and butter.1) Ideal location2) Quality properties over quantity of properties3) 1.25x DSCR4) Intention to hold no less than 8, but ideally 12+ years.5) Sufficient cap reserves6) Mechanisms to enhance cash flow(via alt investing or house strategies).7) Liability protection through no PG loans(if possible), LLC formation, property management and being a diligent landlord.8) Invest deeper, before wider.Now if you're talking where to invest, different information.

Eric,Without going into too much detail on each line item, at first I use my back of the napkin method with a 40-50% expense ratio.

Any recommendations on local networks or specific methods that have worked for you?

It’s refreshing to see someone leveraging both traditional methods and community engagement... it’s a solid mix.