Normally I tell people to start small.  

As far as I am aware you can rent by the room in phoenix, I am not aware of any unrelated persons ordinances but you can check with your municipality they are usually starting at > 3 people that is what I believe would limit rent by the room.

I think most people will echo your post @Lisa Tennyson! 

Some seem to think people will tamper with them, if they are not individually packed, like you would get at a fast-food restaurant.Thanks in advance,Aaron

On average, 80 people move into Columbus weekly.

you can challenge the value with an accountant, appraiser, etc most markets have a person who charges a flat fee to lower it. in Columbus Ohio most of the people that do this have a guarantee to lower it or it's like half the fee 

I mean everything I've seen or talked to we're doing at minimum in the $400-$600k ish range, but maybe I am talking to the wrong people.

In Lake Tahoe having more beds is better sometimes because the average daily rate is higher so more people generally want to split the cost.

We are brand new to real estate investing and would love to connect with people in Florida, Georgia and South/North Carolina.

Depending on what the program offers, they could partner on deals with you, you could leverage their credibility, they can help you get financing on loans you would not be able to qualify for alone, and if the group has a network of people that collaborate you get access to awesome people all working towards similar goals.