That said, I completely agree - there’s way more to REI than just the spreadsheet: neighborhood trends, tenant base, property management, exit strategy… it all matters.On Montgomery, AL & Similar Markets:I actually work with investors who buy in AL and other **Midwest/Southeast markets** — think Birmingham, AL, Cleveland/Dayton, OH, etc.

Focus on Landlord-Friendly, Affordable MarketsMidwest and Southeast markets like Birmingham, Huntsville, Kansas City, and parts of Florida are popular right now.

Here’s a roadmap to help you pick a market and build a solid team:How to Pick a Market (Start Here)Focus on:Landlord-friendly laws (avoid CA/NY-style tenant policies)Affordable price-to-rent ratios (1% rule still exists in parts of the Midwest and Southeast)Job and population growthDiverse local economy (not a one-employer town)Top beginner-friendly markets to look into:Indianapolis, INBirmingham, ALCleveland, OHMemphis, TNMacon, GAThese areas are known for strong cash flow, low barriers to entry, and decent investor infrastructure (turnkeys, PMs, investor agents).Use BiggerPockets forums to find boots-on-the-ground connections in your target market (search "[market name] + PM/agent").Pro Tips:Focus on one market at a time, don’t get analysis paralysisAsk agents/PMs to walk properties via video callRun the numbers first, emotion has no place in out-of-state investingEven if it’s turnkey, verify everything independentlyYou don’t need to be local or a marketing expert to succeed, just disciplined, resourceful, and patient.

In the Midwest and Southeast, we’re seeing great performance in cities like Birmingham, AL, and Cleveland, OH, where you can get properties under $300K with solid property management in place, cash flow from day one, and appreciation upside.Let me know if you want to talk more in depth about specific markets or compare deals side by side - always here to help!

Long-distance investing in stable, landlord-friendly markets (think Midwest or Southeast) could let your money stretch further and cash flow better with less risk.

I am from asia, and didn't know the different expectation from international guests.  

Look into new construction turnkey properties in the Midwest/Southeast with low entry points (~$20–30K down)If your Fairview Park flip performs well, that might be your repeatable model:Flip a house → pay off debt/build capitalUse that capital to BRRRR or acquire a turnkey with leverageRepeat while keeping a balance between equity growth & cash flowYou’re only 27 and already 40% of the way to your 10-door goal.

Markets in the Midwest and Southeast, like parts of Alabama, Missouri, Indiana, and Florida, are especially popular for their affordability, landlord-friendly laws, and steady rental demand.

The property is in Southeast NM, high traffic area Ina booming oilfield town.

Many investors eventually shift into more passive approaches like turnkey rentals in landlord-friendly markets, especially in the Midwest and Southeast, to build long-term wealth without the operational complexity of STRs or major rehabs.Glad to have you here and looking forward to hearing more about your journey and sharing market insights.