Highly suggest attending local meet ups and picking everyone's brain at those events.

I would highly suggest that you tune in to the BiggerPockets Podcast and attend your local REI meetups.

But, it's critical to evaluate the state of the local market, your capacity for managing several properties, and the possibility for cash flow.If you see great potential for long-term appreciation and are okay with the higher property price, option 2 can be a good course of action.

I generally like local options! 

I would recommend looking for local meetups.

Quote from @David Propst: Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

I'd be happy to connect and share some local groups to join.

YES go FB local forums 

Have you tried facebook groups and attending local meetings?

I’m local to you in the St.