I've made many great connections, educated myself on topics I didn't know existed before and have taken actionable steps in my personal investing business that I wouldn't have done otherwise. 

I personally have lived in both..

Some you will like and some are very 'pitchy' selling all kinds of classes and junk.Meeting people in person and getting to know them and what they do will help increase your knowledge that much more.

Personally, I'm not a fan, but I could see why some people like it. 

Greenville has a little better population growth and is about 90K people, roughly the size of Rocky Mount and Wilson combined.

The questions you are asking are far to vague for anyone to have major input or guide you correctly as each person's situation is different. 

You aren't the first person to suggest it, however.

so wherever you can be hands-on / in person is best. 

He is not in a position to begin lending money for several reasons.I assume the HELOC was made against his personal residence.

@KiKi Wood Is your person for STR set-up in Indianapolis!