The two actions that were most instrumental in our growth were:1) Selecting full featured property management software with our first purchase so that we could focus on our processes.2) Developing a working relationship with a local portfolio lender that specialized in regional multi-family so that we could avoid issues with DTI.

WashPo did an interesting piece on Virginia emerging as the big job leader in the region: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/maryland-news/northern-virginias-economic-growth-risks-leaving-maryland-suburbs-behind/2020/01/04/9c6e7126-1cf5-11ea-b4c1-fd0d91b60d9e_story.htmlThe last couple good lots that I’ve seen in McLean (inside the beltway) have sold before they hit the market or in a day.

They are the older federal pacific stab-lok type.

I have a bunch of investors in west coast who have been successful investing outside their region.

For example, I looked up for on person that one of those states in that "Ohio valley region," they take a percentage of the considered market value as the assessed value depending on roperty type. 

I live in a small farming town about an hour from the regional city.

I grew up in Tewksbury and am very familiar with the Merrimack Valley region, & have a househack in Leominster and am familiar with some of the markets in Worcester county as well.

I iive in the City and work the region for investors. 

St. louis, MO and the Midwest region continue to be recognized nationally and locally as top areas to start a new business.

That eliminates any kind of zoning/ STR permit requirement, making the whole thing easier to accomplish, and opening up the entire region to you!