I’m open to other suggestions as well, but especially interested in any info/suggestions regarding the markets listed below.

Hey @Jules Aton, well some of the best ones out there are from Lovesac.

The key for me wasn't to invest in the 'best place' but to know a market so well that a deal jumps off the page when it appears.

We have owned a STR in Florida's panhandle, which has done very well for us for 10 years. 

Set up a Joint account with the seller so you can make deposits to continue the automatic payments to the lender until you refinance the property.Thanks,Dustin

@Brandon Pimm my friend and I are in jersey as well looking at Allentown as potential first rental property purchases.

I would look into assets that are non-correlated to the stock market or real estate, as well as tax advantaged assets to help shelter your income. 

You have a good support system here, hopefully your brokerage does as well.

One year after I used that property to pull a HELOC and this year used that money to purchase an off market 4 family property in Clinton for well under market value, which I just recently finished all of the repairs and upgrades on.

My properties here have done exceptionally well.