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

And lived in it for at least 2 out of the 5 years prior to selling. 

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). 

. :)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. 

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.

The best market is likely a "Good" cash flow market that you have some ties to, in some way shape or form, or one that is a reasonable drive from where you live, if practical/possible. 

@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!).