Begin to network and never stop educating yourself.If you ever consider the Kansas City area, I'd be happy to discuss the current market with you.

Pros:- Many ways to invest and lots of different price points: LTR, MTR, STR (I know a couple of people doing STR but STR can be challenging) and different areas to invest- Diverse job market. 

Their sales tactics just turned me off. 

If you're open to other markets, I invest locally in the midwest and I think we have some strong RE markets that are relatively affordable. 

Springfield MA is a great market for rentals!

Staying in the Wilmington area makes the most sense, as we really know that market, but I also have a soft spot for the western part of NC!  

What market's do you invest in? 

A hosting business involves marketing (LTR only markets when there is a vacancy), cleaning/turnover, check-in/check-out procedures, and a concierge communication.The analogy to Walmart is absurd.

Conduct market research, get pre-approved for a mortgage, define property criteria, and use analysis tools.

This is very desirable since you can comfortably live with a girlfriend/dog/whatever, and not lose comfort.Buying a SFH, building rooms, renting every room and sharing your room will almost certainly cashflow in most markets (outside of VHCOL cities).