I'm looking to purchase a single-family home in the $500k-$600k range with a long-term hold strategy. My goal is to find a property that rents well and offers decent appreciation.
I've narrowed my search to the follo...

I recommend focusing on paying down your debt as much as possible before considering real estate investments.

For one STR you don't need it and quite honestly I recommend folks not to use PMS when starting out.  

If there are specific areas in these states you all would recommend or other areas in the States worth exploring, please let us know!

Assume the property is well located with average appreciation ...Selling some properties of mine and just curious what the average investor buyer is thinking ...Thanks guys I wouldn't personally recommend deliberately buying a property you believe will be negative cash flow.

Not sure if I would immediately go to using AI for recommendation/match making.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I would recommend you find an attorney that truly understands the tax sale process and laws surrounding them and can do quiet title work if/when needed. 

I recommend not telling the tenants at that property that you own it.

What would yall recommend to be the best strategy to entering real estate at my age.