This is a great community to get REI from

That way you know they are active in the BP community!

In the meantime, I'm joining this community to learn and network.A question for the community: I've heard that some REIA's are not worth the time and effort. 

I also have experience managing remodels, contractors, subs etc and have even taken some community college trades courses (framing etc) so I have some basic trades knowledge.

They have been sharing everything with me.

You're asking someone to spend a lot of time and energy to share what they've spent years - maybe decades - learning and developing.

No recent appraisal but fair valuation in very in demand community.

Happy to share insights with you.

I’m also interested in banking with a community oriented bank or credit union, black owned bank/CU, or similar, but interest rates there are often lower than online HYSAs.

Many variables to consider include the specific location of the home, the property manager you decide to choose, the history of the home and community, how well appointed the home is (what elements of the home will allow you to stand out in this market) and what months you decide to use for personal use.