Areas that won’t attract the hedge funds and players looking to sync a couple of million at a shot.

I say look at both states since these markets are have a shortage of inventory and have a lot of competing offers.

Subchapter K is incredibly complex.If you don't have the scale to pay a competent CPA to prepare the returns annually, and to pay a bookkeeper for the full suite of books -- P&L, balance sheet, and general ledger -- you should avoid creating partnership tax entities.

I am a retired professional baseball player and now do sales for a large logistics company. 

So the first year should be focused on becoming the best and most competent nurse you can while learning about real estate in your free time. - Hustle at your W2, work OT, create a budget, build up a savings, don't allow for the "income creep". - Figure out what your goals are, personal and professional.

If you're trying to compete your best bet will be with a conventional loan or cash offer.I can put you in touch with the loan officer that I'm currently using.

The reason is that you're competing against a lot of tech millionaires who are ready to offer full cash for anything, including a burnt out husk of a house.

I have been listening to podcasts which has peaked my interest in real estate investing, however I have struggled to find ways to compete in my current home state of Maryland.

Usually a competent realtor can boil down a market area to a sold price per square foot for the type of house you’re looking at.

Unless you need a high end new fridge to compete for tenants in your market, there is nothing wrong with a functional used one.