Best Atlanta or Jacksonville Area To Invest SFH Under $160K

[Michael S.]

This topic worked out for me well when I purchased my last home in North Texas, so I wanted to see the advice from those in the Atlanta and Jacksonville area for where to focus my attention prior to reaching out to real estate agents. 

For those who know either of the markets, where would you recommend I look? Here is my criterial (willing to compromise where necessary):

• safe
• ~1% rule
• good tenant base
• in area of appreciation (influx of jobs, especially white collar)
• good schools preferred (zillow of 5 out of 10 or higher)
• 3+ BR
• < $160K
• Preferred brick exterior homes
• The newer the homes, the better

For those familiar with the locations and the recent trends in the areas, which sub-areas would you recommend focusing attention on? I will be traveling to Atlanta and Jacksonville later this month to check out homes.

If anyone knows both markets well, what are your thoughts on which is the strongest investment city?

Thanks for your time!