Despite mortgage rates being double what they were two years ago, the overall borrowing environment remains favorable for state and local entities.Key initiatives driving this surge include efforts by entities like the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, which recently launched a $425 million bond sale aimed at providing affordable mortgages to over 2,700 families.

I started local because I was more hands-on and wanted to experience the process.

@Tim SwierczekThis must be local to you.

Take a class on Financial Planning at a local Junior College. 

Not only is the new owner taking subject to local law, but taking subject to means current owners cannot conduct sham sales in order to evade tenant protections. 

If you want to use a local company to manage your rental instead of self-managing, I can put you in contact with a great team!

Choosing a market for your first investment should be as close to local as possible or you won't learn anything and will be too hands off.

Have you tried attending any FREE local real estate meet ups in your area?

@Alex Rivera Jr.Depending on where you live starting out with a house hack is a great option locally.

Thank you.You will have to pay a little more if you go the HM route, and for the first one or two if you have a good local, conventional lender that will do that you would be okay, but HML are great for speed, efficiency, and some quirks, depending on the lender.It might also depend on your capital and how much you are wanting to spend on the first one.