Gulf Shores, Alabama, has been one of the hottest markets for STR investors over the last few years.

Hi everyone - first time investor here!

That is a long time without rent.  

I currently have one single family rental in the Austin area that cash flows pretty good and has appreciated well. 

See if you can find time to fly to meetups in hot markets too

Local lenders will have an advantage over non-local lenders but I would also recommend interviewing multiple and going with the one you click with the best.

I am a full time real estate agent that specializes in luxury and residential - you never know how our two worlds could collide.

However, after reflection, I realized I was becoming too emotionally attached to my first investment after a 15-year break and faced challenges finding reliable contractors.Update (5/17/23):After three failed contractor attempts, I finally secured a reliable one.

1. use the 1031 money to buy 2 investment properties with a combined values >= the sales price2. use the 1031 money to improve one of my existing investment properties (e.g. building an ADU / remodeling)Thanks

The Real Estate Game by William Poorvu is one of my favorites.