This is what everyone I know in these shoes does, some iteration of equity cycling. 

In your shoes, I would take an in-residence course, and not do an online variety.  

What other markets would you recommend if you were in my shoes? 

This doesn't mean that they can't specialize in a particular facet of REI (agent, PM, contractor, etc), but I've had much better results working with partners who have some first-hand knowledge of what it means to be in your investor shoes so they can help you in making good business decisions for your portfolio, regardless of whether it benefits them in the short-term. 

Well, get your clown nose and your bozo shoes, now you are out of ten grand.

Also, insurance companies can deny claims for certain situations, so it’s not bulletproof.Many people in your shoes run the rentals in an LLC for liability purposes but keep their primary home out of it, and they make sure their LLC has its own bank account, lease agreements, and insurance.

I’ve also had the opportunity to help both new and experienced investors find deals that actually make sense on paper and in real life.I love working with investors because I’ve been in their shoes.

Many investors in your shoes find that looking out of state for their first rental property is a smart move - markets like Akron or Canton, Ohio; Columbus, Georgia; Southaven, Mississippi, Birmingham, AL offer more affordable entry points with strong cash flow and growth potential.If you want to stay local, house hacking (like renting out a room or a duplex) can be a great way to build equity and reduce living expenses while gaining hands-on experience.Ultimately, the best approach depends on your comfort level with managing properties remotely versus locally, and how quickly you want to start investing.

Counterfeiting and what not. 

I genuinely get pleasure from helping others walking in those shoes, or similar paths.