You rarely will get both (at least not right now in this current market).If you want to explore different opportunities within various areas of the Valley, get a seasoned investor-friendly Realtor who is competent. 

There are a few different areas I like to target, depending on your goals and budget.We also host a monthly real estate networking event -- "NorCal Real Estate Mastermind" -- First Wednesday of every month at 6pm at Lucid Winery on R St.

Others' experiences might not matter as much as their leases are different.

It attracts a different guest.  

Weather differs depending on where properties are located and even snow accumulation within the same geographic area will vary year to year.

I’m currently in the save all of money phase, I want a couple years of solid savings and some education before I get started, I’m 33 and have been working construction my whole life so this will be a much different career path for me.

@Pixel Rogue everyone has different future plans - many though haven't thought that far ahead!

Though it wasn't what I planned or expected, just glad its over and was able to move on to different project.

A STR is a completely different animal in my opinion, in that it requires more work and much more compromise, but financially is worth the effort. 

Each state might have different process.