Below is a really cool blog from Lauren documenting her whole journey from goal setting to buying her first property. https://www.rentalstowealth.com/our-real-estate-goal/They were featured on BP too - https://www.youtube.com/watch?

In the spirit of friendly helpfulness of our community, I'll share some general tips that may help:1) Look for a city with a variety of economic pluses including: a diverse employer based (i.e. no one or two major industries dominate the market), a desirable climate, easy access to nationwide transportation (airports, interstate highways), low overall crime rate, growing demographic of younger families and singles.2) Find off market deals. 

In the  vacation rental space,  it is dominated by Airbnb, VRBO in booking.com. 

Highlight features like good storage/washer dryer etc that convey completeness and “everything you need” Who is your market?

Here are some of the features I would like.Features:Ability to track total rental portfolio (ROI, Portfolio value, etc)Ability to collect rent onlineView reportsTrack mortgages by linking accountsI have seen normal property management software but none that also can track the total portfolio as well.

Microsoft Excel all the way (more features than Google spreadsheets, and possibility to do basically anything in VBA).

You would need a Topographic Survey as it will cover both man-made and natural features (creek in your case).

Our goal to purchase our first property preferably a single-family home or duplex near a Campus/University or community dominated by young professionals looking to rent within the next year. 

With American IRA, they are very supportive of this feature.

Hi Michael,SBA 7a loans are still being funded just a bit slower with all the other COVID related SBA programs dominating lender pipelines.I don't see the challenges post COVID as much different then pre.