I would just explain the thought process to your project manager and have a direct conversation. 

Still, I am early on in the education process so I am looking for any connections and advice I can find.

Looking for additional data points and insights on cash flow (rent to price ratio), cost of purchase, rent demand, income growth, appreciation etc… What class of properties present the best investment opportunities in both markets.

I helped 4 buyers with this process in 2023, brutal.

Other than that just do it and rely on those in the forums or your inner circle to help guide you through the process. 

You need that data point. 

So still planning my next move with the expectation that I start this process around May 2nd week.

Did Ryan guide me through the whole process?

We suddenly had 2 homes and began exploring what our options were and that is when we discovered the intriguing world of REI and tapped into Bigger Pockets and Better Life Tribe, etc. to begin our education.In the time since his death and the probate process we have been paying his mortgage off and selling items from the home which we have been maintaining.

There is a process to picking the market to work in and buying for both cash flow and appreciation (many people think the midwest or south is only for cash flow - not true).