I am just getting started doing active investing but after i bought my first house to live in at ft benning, i got stationed at ft lewis and got deployed again. but i had come across an awesome property manager that kept me in the loop of everything. i think that was the only thing that saved me while i was deployed. then got back and got out and now i am getting started doing this full time.

Also, those midtier markets may not be bad as likely the zoning and use ordinances have probably not expanded to address short-term rentals.I may be biased because I was stationed in Omaha for five years but I loved that downtown area.

I'm somewhat familiar with Texas as I was stationed there in the past and have family and friends out there as well.

Active military member here stationed in San Diego.

Such as Newark/Elizabeth that have train stations/bus stations.

There will be a new Amtrak station there and the easement of regulations for industrial development on the river will attract new investments. 

You might even consider a close in suburb with good access to rail or to a lesser known neighborhood like Hegewisch which has a South Shore Line train station.

I have another rental in GF from when I was stationed there and bought my first house hack.

Im torn between BRRRing a long term locally in my area or investing a little more in a short term out of area(College Station, Austin, New Braunfel area).

Culdesac, end of a T, entry way to a subdivision, speed limit, train stations, ranch/split level/ 2 story etc, etc etc.