Sam here. Law school drop out, 4 year entrepreneur since undergrad and heading into the RE game from the investor side. I've been told to start with wholesaling and am following that path and am based in San Diego, CA...

Live close to work so transportation isn't a major focus. (500)4. paint, epoxy flooring(2k initial investment, rent three rooms live free ? 

I'm focusing on the west metro and St.

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.

I work with multiple Real Estate Agents, Government Project Managers, Title Companies, Attorneys, Bird Dogs and other "Street Teams" that aid me in finding these SWEET deals.

BP will definitely aid you in getting that first deal under your belt.

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.