I'm heading to Mobile end of this month to research the area, and would love to connect with property managers and agents. I also would love to hear people's feedback on the best up and coming areas.

Also, when you decide whether you want to be active investor (e.g.

Have you decided whether you want to invest actively or passively?

If you don't have the funds to buy rentals, you to get money (active income, day job income) to afford to buy those properties.Many investors choose to make real estate their active income (being a real estate agent, flipping houses, wholesaling properties,...) because those jobs create profits or commissions, meaning the more successful they work the more money they make.

If you don’t believe you have enough capital for a cash purchase, seek a partner.Purchasing with cash or a large downpayment mitigates a couple risks:Interest rate risk.

Go on Zillow and look at all the active rentals in your area of interest (Zillow gives you a count).

The extra money every month is going towards *you guessed it* my student loans.It's smart to increase your income to, rather than be passive or active, as more income (that you report to the IRS) will help your ratio AND help pay down that debt in the meantime!

Not sure what area you're in, but we're active throughout California. 

But they would not, in a million years, consider moving to the Midwest even though they frequently visit for outdoor activities/road trips.

This loss on paper, will offset against your active income on the 1040.