In some areas, we board up the 1st floor windows until we are about to start marketing the property.

Until the lease ends and then the legal notice time in your market has passed.

Do you have a target market/city/neighborhood for your investments?

I am also willing to do vacation rentals, wholesaling, BRRR, fixer-up properties, off-market deals, fix & flips, etc...

I'd love to help anyone break into the Huntsville Market! 

I am not in North Carolina, but I am in 11 other markets and would be happy to chat to answer any questions.

It is a tough market in south FL but you can do it.

Quote from @Marc Zak: In the market where I live (San Diego), appreciation has been strong and many predict it will continue to appreciate in the long term.However, with current interest rates (6% at best) and property tax (2%), the annual cost burden is 8%.Am I correct in saying that appreciation has to be above 8% annually (plus whatever my maintenance and vacancy costs are) for me to make any money in this scenario if the property is cash flow neutral?

I believe some education programs market themselves as a coaching or mentorship programs.

My advice would be go for the most they will loan you as long as you're in an appreciating market and you can find a value-add.