I do not yet have a laser-focused region that I am set to invest in, however, I am currently looking in the neighborhoods of Raleigh NC where I live.

Being that rates are still so low, you may want to look into using a 1031 exchange for a multi-family in other parts of the capital region.

Does anyone have any local bank suggestions to open my business bank account in the Rock Hill, Columbia SC region possibly with a branch in Charlotte, NC also?

Using cash our refi proceeds from a few free and clear duplexes as down payment for an apartment building, first use loan with regional bank to stablize then refi into agency debt after a couple years.B.

I know some regions of the country people have said its less but I seriously doubt that. 

It’s not usual that a business can make no income but pay out money, at least not sustainable.

So property A takes renovations of $20k and lets assume your 401k taxes due on a $100k withdrawal are $20k, you could sustain that loss in the same year as a "real estate professional" and voila.

Somewhere in the downtown region to capture all the tourism and conference needs when that eventually comes back.  

Then call every local and regional news source you can find.

Depending on price point there are agency lenders that do small balance Lyons starting at 750 K otherwise you will have to qualify with a local or regional lender.