How to choose a location from the US?

[Mike Tikh]

Currently stuck in analysis paralysis on trying to find the right location for a first property, with a willingness to move anywhere in the US. 

Goal

My objective would be to go with a MFH, 2-4 units, higher would be better. I'd house hack and live in one of the units the first year, and use an FHA 3.5% loan. For amount, it would likely be in the $500-700k range.

My expectations are to have a negative cash flow while living there, and possibly a slight negative cash flow after moving out (until interest rates lower or rents increase). For example, a $650k 3-4 unit where each can rent out at $1,500, allowing for a negative cash flow of $2-2.5k/month the first year.

Possibilities

Given those goals, it would rule out the more expensive places (California, Seattle area, Austin). However, I have no idea how to choose from the remaining cities, it seems there are a lot of potential options:

- Midwest - Michigan (ie: Grand Rapids) seems to have options, also seeing Columbus Ohio and Indianapolis coming up

- Reno - I've seen mentioned several times on here

- Pittsburgh / Philadelphia / Twin Cities - All mentioned as lower cost to get started, and seem to be experiencing growth

I'd ideally like to find a place that has strong potential for future growth, a diversified economy, and I don't mind living in (being close to nature would be a plus). 

Any thoughts on how to choose - what metrics to evaluate, resources to read to help?

[Mike Tikh]

Thanks for all the comments! Some great advice in there. The takeaways I'm getting are:

- Analyze the areas more in depth, looking at things like prices, rental ratio, housing availability, vacancy rates. Start with locations I'm most familiar with 

- Spend some time on Youtube learning about the different areas, and seeing which ones I'd be comfortable living in

- When narrowed down, rent an Airbnb and try to spend a week in each place

- From there, start talking to some property managers and networking in the area to find opportunities

I grew up around the metro Detroit area, so that would be a good starting point for the research, expanding out to nearby spots in the midwest like Ohio. I also lived in NV and TX for some time, and would prefer that climate, but need to make sure the financials make sense there. 

@Patrick Drury, I hadn't considered the different criteria for 4 units (and from what I can tell, it also applies to triplexes), so that's definitely something I'll have to consider. I'll also check out some of the guides listed here by @Austin Wolff@Austin Wolff

Appreciate everyone taking the time to help out!