@Sehyun Lim,I’m active in both Chattanooga and Huntsville and would be happy to provide some perspective.

Alot of first time cost seg folks come to us with losses generated all excited to offset w2 income, only to find out they did not qualify for the STR loophole properly and cannot use the losses against active income.

The other areas give a little more privacy protections but for local investments, that won't be a huge benefit. 

My properties are in three different states and I use local property managers for full-service management. 

If you have extra taxes then you should absolutely account for them.Contact Vrbo, Airbnb and your local authority and see if they are automatically taken out or if you need to submit the extra taxes.

We're local and we'll come to you.I remember years ago hearing that in direct mail, there's a 3/10/30 rule. 

Google search some local site in the areas you're searching too.

Local vs out of state can mean finding a good PM in both cases or managing the local one themselves.Starter homes are usually good.

When you get higher, you are essentially bidding down the interest rate that you receive.I am not a tax lien specialist and recommend reaching out to some of those who are very active on BiggerPockets like a Ned Carey

Here's a strategy to try.Go to your local library (or their online portal).