What would be the best piece of advice you could give me? 

Both Ohio and California are going to get their piece.

I usually receive a large bonus from work in late June so July 2025 is my target date to buy my first piece of property, although I realize opportunities may arise before then. 

If you have some hot tips on new markets I should check out in other areas, I'm all ears, and my list of things to report about for BiggerPockets STRs is never-ending.2) This is for NEW investors.

This is the most complicated piece because you are essentially the mortgage originator (which might run into licensing concerns depending on how many times you do this and your state), and you need to make sure the person who is buying is a good borrower.3) close with a title company or lawyer (state dependent) who knows how to deal with this type of transaction4) set up an account with a servicer to collect the money from the borrower (not required, but highly recommended from note buyers)5) collect payments

A simple piece of flashing that goes missing from from a can cost you $500 today but might cost you a lot more tomorrow.

Interesting to hear there are anti-RK folks out there, but then again, aren't all public figures subject to scrutiny....I just signed up to download your book -- great looking website and nice logo.Here's a question fitting for the newbie forum: what's the one piece of advice you wish you could go back and tell yourself before your first purchase?

It's an Oped piece requesting the city council roll back some laws. 10 years too late. 

It's not sexy, and 24-year-olds would rather spend thousands listening to a YouTuber who promises secret shortcuts that tickle their ears. 

It enables you to take advantage of a smaller, if any, down payment while owning/controlling a piece of real estate.