If you don't have the relationships, hire someone who does.This is why Brian Burke can go “large corporate” while I have to stay “small private”; he has the ability to MANAGE PEOPLE that I do not.  

In my experience, allowing these professionals to guide you can be highly beneficial, as they are likely to recommend properties they would be comfortable managing.

I personally would say your successful friend as a guide is like gold... don't look anywhere else.  

Check Furnished Finder, Zillow, as well as AirBnb and VRBO (30+ day stays) to see what sort of competition is in that specific market.

The ARV was believed to be around $235k so my agent told me to try to stay all in around $176K.

I saw dealmachine looks cool but the reviews from others here on BP have not been positive so I have stayed away for time being.

Grant Cardone (fraud) Brad sumrok is like lifestyles, I like Joe Fairless his website syndicationschool.com is free and well done enough then you can guide yourself and go network without paying 30-50k to join a BS program

If you're just getting started, stay local.

For me, it’s all about scaling, so multifamily properties are where my focus stays.

I would strongly urge owners to stay away.