You will find everyone has a strong opinion on their preference (as they should).

A strong network with potential equity partners can go a long way

And it's great that you're so open-minded to remotely owning out-of-state real estate.The Northeast has a lot of high-paying jobs - the best thing you can do is save your income, then take that capital and re-deploy it to Southern STR real estate.I'd strongly suggest NOT getting a property manager (waste of money) & always looking for ways to innovate & improve - there's a lotta money to be made in this game!

Negative Chi tends to cling to such places and it will require the application of strong space clearing and purification methods to make the building habitable, let alone achieve a degree of auspiciousness.Having said all that, since you mentioned the cemetery is further down the road and barely visible, you should be ok.

Therefore, we need strong rental demand.

Is your relationship strong enough to withstand a major business failing?

Due to the location, we expect strong student and young professional demand once the units are ready to be rented.

Yes a bit of Semantics at play here. 1031 is definitely more flexible and easier to implement.The markets in VA are very strong.

Janesville and Beloit are very strong and could help you raise your cashflow. 

@Sam Horton,First, I strongly recommend going to as many local REI meetings as you can.