Once you have this team in place, you should be able to invest in any market confidently.As for picking a specific market - I would go after one with an increasing job and population growth.

If we devolve into discussing the shortcomings of US presidents or specific politicians, probably time to close the thread. 

If I were in your shoes, I would do the following:- set 6 months worth of income aside in a HYSA to save it for a rainy day (this will help shield you if you lose your job, or if something goes horribly awry with your investment properties)- open a Bank on Yourself life insurance policy (this is a specific type of high dividend paying whole life insurance where you can borrow against the cash value in your policy at any time and the money will continue growing as if you never took out a loan.

Tucson Section 8 is valuing my two- and three-bedroom units in a duplex well below market rental rates because they said they don't have data supporting higher rents specific to duplexes (they won't compare to SFHs or Apartments).   

I firmly believe in the power of small learning initiatives for rapid growth and better outcomes.

Pergo Outlast+ is the middle one of 3 quality levels and is specifically rated for bathrooms and kitchens and advertised as waterproof.

What specifically are the PMCs charging for that is restricting your cashflow?

One would need to connect with a realtor, lender, there's inspections, there's needing a specific amount of capital to invest, tenants, property management, etc. 

In my experience, homes with window units only require a specific buyer versus having an HVAC which most buyers tend to prefer.

PATIENCE is KEY, and Enjoy the PROCESS over the OUTCOME.