Best Market for First Investment Property

[Cindy Ni]

Hi All - I am looking to buy my first investment property and I have been researching markets. I am currently in between Charleston, SC and Huntsville, AL. My goal is mostly around cashflow (with high mortgage rates, even a modest amount is good) in an area with a good amount of appreciation as well. I know it depends more on the neighborhood I choose in the area, but would love to know from the more experienced crowd here which market has a higher probability of meeting my goal. 

Also, I am based out of Jersey City and would have preferred to buy a property closer to me, but the properties in this area are way out of my budget and do not seem to cashflow at all. I am a bit nervous about buying a property so far away, so would love to hear if anyone has advice on this. Thank you!