I invest locally in Columbus and Cleveland.

Cities in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and South are gaining attention for their stable local economies and promising home value growth.Buffalo, New York: A Model of Stability:Topping the list is Buffalo, New York, recognized for the steadiness of its home prices and a recent surge in job opportunities relative to new home constructions.Cincinnati's Rapid Home Sales:Cincinnati stands out for its exceptionally fast home sales, with properties going pending in just five to six days for most of 2023, indicating a high demand in the market.New regions take the lead in the housing market.

I have done two moderately successful local BRRRRs and it would have been impossible to do them the way I did it out-of-state.I also house-hack my own residence and I can't recommend it enough for a beginner if everyone you live with is on board.

I see you are local to the Tampa area too.

Yeah, I think he is right on the neighbors if you deviate from the local style.

I may also consult with a local attorney. 

Establishing strong connections with local real estate agents, property managers, financiers, and investors can offer priceless knowledge, access to opportunities, and potential collaborations.Good luck!

Utilizing their favorable financing relationships to then secure a ~$1M loan from a local credit union.

Like @Bruce Woodruff mentioned above, get a plat map (not a typo, its a property line map) from the local assessor's office, planning office or county clerk and give it to the surveyor. 

It was definitely a gamble, because I was assembling furniture up until the night before their check-in :o I only had an opportunity to advertise on FF, because it was the first place we posted and it got enough inquiries right away.