I think VA is a better market in terms of price growth vs MD, and a lot of my investor clients agree.In terms of local networks for mentorship/networking/guidance, there are two I know of in NoVa that I have personally been to:NOVA REI Meetups - they meet at Tysons Mall once a month.Cash Flow Breakfast Clubs - there are a few locations including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, etc.

Evan,Obviously depends on costs but this will be a rental that I plan on holding long term.

A seller will favor an offer a lot more if it's a quick escrow with little to no contingencies versus a long escrow and multiple appraisal and loan contingencies.

Finalizing terms now and will begin inspection period soon.

as long as you don't need the income to qualify for the primary loan, you're fine. 

The specific location ( 4' * 6' long) is underneath a guest bedroom window in the front of the house. 

Ask them for a copy of their purchase agreement and have it reviewed by attorney to see if the terms are acceptable to you.5.

We have a lot of money tied up in the unit and would like to find a rental unit the we would consider living in at some point with a house hack option/ADU and or a home that has a better long term appreciation potential. 

They will know where the demarcation is for county vs city regs and zoning.The city of Ithaca seems to be considering regs - https://www.cityofithaca.org/770/Short-Term-Rental-ResourcesPlus it seems that it was passed in April - https://ithacavoice.org/2024/04/city-of-ithaca-short-term-re...

By the time I figure this out all offers on table will have been long since received probably, but since it's popped up twice in a row now, it's bound to pop up again.