@Dana Lapple We have a casual one every month as wellhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/738047-raleigh-durham-and-surrounding-areas-meetup

I don't own anything in Florida, but I hear Destin and the surrounding areas can do quite well.  

Some out of state (MT, Clemons MI area) and in my surrounding markets as well.

Cold called roughly 85 landlords in my surrounding area to find my own off market deal where I could live for free to start off my real estate investing career.

My current favorites for STR: Franklin, TN, Palm Springs, CA, La Quinta, CAHave an offer in on a home in Joshua Tree, CAPigeon Forge and surrounding areas (Smokies & Dollywood, etc) also on my short-list.Looking forward to my call Friday with Julie McCoy Friday to learn more.Be sure you have user friendly STR rules, a high-demand, destination location and a super cool property that people will want to visit again and again.

(if it helps specify my question I would consider purchasing outside of the target primary market of the big metro areas and rather look at surrounding areas as it seems the purchase price to cash flow ratio is higher just outside of the big metro areas).

Secondly, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are into real estate.

@Devan Bermejo try looking in surrounding towns like Huntington or Columbus City or something. 

Everyone recommends investing outside of CA, I recommend the opposite - invest in Santa Cruz and the surrounding areas - specifically the San Lorenzo Valley!

I have been looking at properties in the Penrose area (and surrounding) in St.