Besides reading and listening to podcasts, my wife and I attend a local real estate investor meetup that has been extremely beneficial. 

I work in IT at a local boat manufacture and my wife works in the office of a flooring company in Longview.  

Looking for potential analysis pitfalls, offer strategies, analysis metrics, discussion of local market conditions, and general networking/camaraderie. 

One didn't make your list.1) I see people all the time raising money for real estate deals but they call it a partnership either because they are ignorant of the law or they are trying to avoid paying for all the legal work. 

Local Agent - just created a relationship!

I think Landlords are better off using strong policies, knowing the law, acting quickly and professionally.

If you decide to go the Airbnb route in either city, be sure to check local regulations around short-term rentals to avoid any surprises.

For example, if the loan officer asks you what your monthly payments are and your mother-in-law moved in with you because she is struggling financially and you are paying her car payment, don't share that you are paying her car payment every month.

If you prefer to stay local and build equity, house hacking a duplex or triplex in Fort Lauderdale could work, especially if you can add an STR component to boost income.

They may be non permitable.check with the local city or county before you get into it where you can't get out.