If you are in the Tampa area and plan on purchasing there, I highly suggest you connect with @Josh Green.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

This will save you time and effort, as you won’t have to travel long distances to manage different properties or handle tenant issues.For your first investment, I suggest starting with 2-4 unit properties.

@Kaaren Hall after seeing your post i called them right away, their fees are extremely high for an HSA that for the most part most people don't have a lot of money in.I max my HSA every year, but if you have a self only plan you can only put about 4k /yr  and if you have some medical bills it's less.they are also very restrictive on taking money out, and no CC to pay the doctor. prior to speaking with them I was extremely excited to see this opportunity you suggested,  but after my conversation I'm no longer...I will look for other options now that I see there may be some, so thanks so much for bringing it up.

Can anyone suggest beach markets in SC and/or GA that allow STRs and cash flow with 20% down?

I'm in escrow on a small multifamily (4-unit) in San Diego and wondering if anyone has suggestions for great property managers in the area.

Thanks for the suggestion of the two other investment vehicles.

I’d suggest chatting with your friend about what’s been working for him, and maybe ask for some recommendations on building a solid local team3.

You should start with both of these suggestions. 

If he must attempt to get the low interest rates of 2021 on this deal, I suggest that he instead look for assumable loans.