As we are just starting our initial research on which markets we would like to focus on, we came across, Shelby, NC.  

You will get less than market because they are occupied. 

I’m sure some of you have faced similar challenges.Aside from raising rent (which can be tricky depending on the market), what other strategies have you implemented to get back to positive cash flow?

We do have some local portfolio lenders who can be accessed through brokers.

For the record, we are very comfortable with our local market in Pittsburgh PA so for the time being we will be sticking to loans in the region.Thoughts? 

My wife and I purchased our first rental property here in Maui in June of 2023 to use as an STR as it was a consistent market, numbers worked, and we live 5 minutes away from the property so self-managing made sense! 

Around $45,000 in repairs.By late January to early February, we had the property back on the market.

You may have local more stringent local rent control.  

Should I be saving my receipts when I attend local meetups for a tax writeoff?

You should definitely talk to a local lender.