We’re simply cheerleaders, fellow players, and coaches trying to get the new players to live up to their potential. 

The loan is with you, not with your tenant, so none of that means anything to them - in fact because you live in one unit and it's under 4, if you were self-managing you don't even have to abide by fair housing laws (at least on the federal level). 

If your able to move and live in the unit do that.  

Are you wanting to find something within an hour of where you live or are you open to something farther away?

I used to live in Tokyo for 6 years and would like to find a reason to go back more regularly but let me know if you want to connect!

I too live in Asheville, so Sapphire was closer than Cashiers and Highlands.

. :)This is especially true if you rely on furnishedfinder.com as your primary lead source (which you shouldn't, but that's another post) as when you make that connection with a prospective resident, you are selling yourself as a landlord as much as you are the property as a place to live.

I'll let others chime in on their experiences, but from a motivational perspective, I think attending live events and getting the "conference high" is something that only happens through in-person connections and being in the same room with investors who are eagerly pursuing their real estate/financial goals. 

@Benjamin Goodman gives a good example referencing live in flips. 

I realize people are trying to make a living, but anyone who cold calls me is the last person I'd use for any transaction (plus I have people for that!).