Investing for rentals in SFH outside Triangle, NC market

[Kashfia Faruque]

Hello everyone, I am looking to buy my first investment single family home in the triangle area or the surrounding areas. The idea was to have the rent cover the mortgage and some extra cash flow. But I am having a hard time finding properties in the Raleigh-Durham area because of the high offers. I am starting to look into areas more further away like Smithfield, NC. Any idea if buying here will lead to positive cash flow for single family homes? What areas surrounding the triangle area would be good for positive cash flow investment rentals? Any inputs would be greatly appreciated!