We don’t all know everything but an agent you like and that wants to earn your long time business will work hard for you and find the answers you need.I am an investor focused REALTOR and property manager.

Keep family out and focus on pure ROI for an investment property only  duplex?

Everyone has their opinion, of course, and some are focused on the real estate side that would impact future employees.

As a 1st time investor, would I be better off focusing on Tampa or Nashville?  

We actually were just in San Antonio to drive around different areas, and decided to focus on the up and coming/hipster areas, like Tobin, Government, and Dignowty hill. 

Thanks to everyone who replied, especially @Tim Sharkey the point about focusing on a micro-market.

-The moral issue you could run into is if your agent brought you the deal and you cut them out to submit an offer directly to the listing agent then you burn a bridge to save a couple grand-Too often people focus on the small commission paid to the realtor as an opportunity to cut costs when in reality the long term relationship with a good agent will bring you far more value.

Good Day All, I'm looking for a little advice on how some of you narrowed/focused your search location.

I have many other interests so I don't focus on the handyman work as much as some people might think I should, and my lifestyle and bills are all geared towards low income, including living in a 1 bedroom home with low bills and taxes, and driving older cars.

You are correct when you say "life doesn't always go as planned..." but I admire your determination and your focus to your real estate plan in life.