I've noticed that the margins for both cash flow and rehab projects are indeed razor-thin, with Cash on Cash Returns often falling below 5 percent and ROI not being particularly attractive either.Given the challenges in the DC market, I'm open to exploring investment opportunities in other areas.

Then maybe you can go to local meet ups and partner up with a successful wholesaler as you're starting out.  

"Chattanooga" "BRRRR stragtegy" "TN flipping", etc- Attend local meetups to begin growing your network - you can find them here or on sites like eventbrite or meetup.- Set up systems to regularly keep in touch with (and add value to) the folks you connect with whether they're local contacts or virtual contacts from BP.Happy to see you here... looking fwd to seeing how the BiggerPockets platform contributes to your journey.All the best,Abel

I would evaluate the decision to add a balcony based on economics and the ability to attract good tenants alone.

I have found my private investors by the following - personal friends, local meetups, real estate conferences.

You do get a lot of appreciation in CA which is attractive but you have to be able to withstand the CA roller coaster.

This will queue agents touting their local area. 

I do like the beaches on weekdays around noon. lol actual problem is for locals and kamaina that lived there  over generation, the problem is not the expensive milk but more like Midwest income with California spending 

@Lara GonzalezAnd to answer your original question I generally like working with local credit unions.

I'm looking to expand in the Ohio area, but would like to get a little more insight on the demographics from local investors.C