An update one year later after this post, I now have:- Got my property and casualty license and wrote 370+ policies in a year- Saved up a few more thousand dollars in investable cash, paid off $20K in debt and raised my credit score by 100 points- Launched a direct to seller cold email marketing campaign and generated leads for cheap- Got connected with a few real estate investing communities like Subtle Asian Real Estate and Pace Morby's SubTo- Aggressively read and studied as much as I can get my hands onThat being said, I decided to run a marketing campaign to generate distressed seller leads in Phoenix, Arizona, mostly because:1.

I want to start smart and scale up as I learn the ropes, but I’m personally struggling to narrow down which area to focus on.If you’ve done this before, what advice would you give someone like me?

Your best bet would be to connect with local operators and ask them.

The one who thinks that they are masters of the universe in EVERY area of life, has 30 different businesses, claims to be fit as a fiddle, with a life in perfect harmony, shows off huge toys, has 30 different businesses, including selling their time by the hour to provide coaching... this person is not running a real estate syndication business.

came to me through my personal connections How did you finance this deal?

I’m looking to expand my network and connect with other investors, realtors, and real estate professionals—especially those who are growth and collaboration-oriented.

Looking to connect with other members who are looking to invest or actively investing in Costa Rica?

A person doesn't have to like these new realities but realities they are none the less.

I'd be happy to connect for more ideas! 

Quote from @Dereck Olson: Hi Nicholas,  Just a thought from the possible tenant's perspective, but filling out a prequalification form and/or providing personal information before they have even seen a place and know if they will be interested in living in the property might be a bit too much to ask.