Drafted a plan, gathered estimates, created a budget, put together DTI sheets, even got an "as-built" appraisal, and also have it in a permit status at the Local Building and safety office.Then I started to look into the construction loan and the permanent financing....to do it myself, and not through a builder.I soon realized that there are sooo many companies out there that want to try to help...but cant  (some of them were even on this network of people):  don't have builds on record, won't allow for owner-built homes, my credit is less than 680, while carrying the construction loan, there may be a point at the end where because i have my rental house while building that it become hard to pay, and  I can't pull out a private loan to help start process because my credit cards balances are horrible...and my "business" has no show of income.So, now we are here in the present time....   

I’m new to real estate investing and ready, is there anyone locally in Tallahassee willing to be a mentor?

Start listening to the BiggerPockets podcast starting at the very beginning and start growing your network, look on Facebook/BiggerPockets for different events, find a mentor doing what you want to do, and get to know the local lenders/brokers.

I'm experimenting with local trade shows and bus ads, but curious to see what others are doing out there and if that is working well for them!

They sell quick and I can get all the supplies at he local home improvement store. 

It’s a local company in Georgia elemental home 

It’s been a great tool for us for a decade plus the networking with local folks.

Spend some time looking up local investors using the search feature.

I only rented for about 5 years over my life and the one major issue I had was bad communication coupled with the PM not knowing landlord/state laws. 

I'd recommend speaking with local investor-friendly agents who can weigh in on YOY property value growth and rental increases for all projections.Lastly, if you are going down the STR route, choose a property/area that will still allow cash flow if the property was used as an LTR.