Both growing areas, both having strong rental markets, sports teams, colleges, STR locations, growing jobs, etcLet me know if you have any more questions or if there is anyway I can help

I'm not big on sports, but I am fond of analogies.You're trying to hit a double on your first at-bat.So, let's go for a bunt first, then a single, then you'll be ready for the double and home runs.Before anything else, join a local Real Estate Investing Association (REIA).  

It's in our own self interest to pay for a bottle of soda for the community meetings we don't attend or contribute a few dollar to support sports clubs to give youngsters something positive to do.

My suggestions from this point forward ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Do not mention you played professional sports anymore( gold diggers / con artist / etc )Do not put “professional athlete” in your online bio( maybe mention the college you attended )Attend your local rei clubs meetings as average joe (do not be flashy at all while working with realtors and investors – clothes ,jewelry, costly meals, transportation )If you can play another season or two go ahead– offset your initial real estate investing costsMaybe consider being a real estate agent near your local college “Shaq” move -> local popularity to sell propertiesWatch ESPN “Broke” Directed by Billy CorbenAct & talk like your average joe when working with agents / investorsStart out at a small modest rate when investing avoid friends/family members looking for hand outs - jobs , cash , etcAvoid real estate gurus– Do not go all or nothing attitude when you start out investingGo through Bigger pockets threads during your down timeTeam up with people you can trust and get alone with Use other people money when possible (private money)– local and overseas connections- stay away from hard money loans , if possibleReally know your local market your investing inMaybe hire a property management to work with tenants (tenants might act stupid,, if they think you already have money)(property mgmt - always double check their numbers)(do not be afraid to fire someone when need )Real Estate investing is a business ( you can be ahead or down really fast )Good luck

I will spend thousands of dollars on travel and dining and las vegas gambling, but still wearing the same clothes I have been wearing for ten years because I am too cheap to pay for clothes.

I have a friend that works at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Hey Kevin.I feel that real estate, like life, is a team sport.

You mention the "Contractor Wildcard" as a gamble.  

Cash flow properties are safer but I don't think investing in equity growth is "gambling" as many people state in REI forums. 

My wife and I have a small buy and hold portfolio in Memphis, and we would much rather hold on to a good tenant than raise rent and gamble on a tenant leaving, i.e. avoid the tenant search, lost rent and turnover costs associated with a changeover in tenants.