Raleigh/Cary is definitely competitive..it's a booming market, but your $30K in cash gives you some solid options, especially for a BRRRR strategy.If you're looking for slightly lower-cost entry points, here are a few markets to consider:Greensboro, NC: Staying within your home state, Greensboro offers a more affordable market compared to Raleigh.

@Keith RichardsonIt depends on your risk tolerance and ability to stay organized.

We were especially thrilled to start our investing journey with a duplex, and it was even better that the tenants desired to stay and had been consistent with rent for many many years.

Staying Flexible in NegotiationsAs agents, licensees are bound by ethical and legal rules that may limit how they negotiate or market deals.

A good example of this is the Springfield Mall just 30 minutes outside of the District, where visitor levels are at pre-pandemic levels and average stay times are higher due to their prioritization of experience-focused retailers according to the CEO of Pennsylvania Real Estate Trust (Source).

The key is understanding your comfort level with managing multiple units right out of the gate.. 

Be sure you are comfortable with the math and know exactly how much you should be getting depending on how the property performs at different levels.  

We have a few markets we target outside of California, but obviously if you want to stay close to home, Sacramento would be an ideal choice.

He was happy to allow me to rent out nightly because it actually helps keep his property in better shape than a long term renter (having a cleaner in there every turnover, short stay guests always let you know when something isn't working, etc) but didn't want to hassle with worrying about a percentage of income/management, etc.

Its a month to month and im in a weak position even to ask the tenant to renew lease now and they seem they are willing to stay they just need a solution to the issue.