They typically have a "designer" or "consultant" for free that can give advice (or research in your case) specific items.

Example: never use S-corps for rentals.Short story: forget about business entities when you are just starting.

Lockup is typically one year though if invest larger amounts these can be negotiated. 

AlabamaEffective Property Tax Rate (2019): 0.37%4Typical Home Value (2022): $189,9766Annual Taxes on Home Priced at State Typical Value: $702.9The current metro area population of Montgomery in 2023 is 374,000, a 1.91% increase from 2022.

For example, you may get more investors in your area due to lower taxes, by which increased investor demand will drive up prices.

For example, if I can't afford to keep the house, selling it with a life estate (can I do that?) 

For example our bridge loan product is ok with your debt to income being to high at the time of purchase as long as the debt to income will be low enough to qualify once you rent (or sell) your current home. 

But even with that, I can typically get land sold in under a year.

While different sponsors, still not really diversifying - it’s like investing in one type of stock company - for example airlines or auto industry.

Look at rental rates, vacancy rates, and typical property taxes in your target area.