Hi @Beril Joel, Looks like you have a few decisions to make regarding where you want to live.
I would suggest first deciding where it is you want to live and then try to solve for what you should buy. If you try to do both together you will have far too many options to consider and Its not advisable to move just solely based on real estate pricing - quality of life should be the main factor!
If leaving Atlanta for a different city, could you transfer with your job or would you need to find another one...this might impact your buying ability in a new city if that is the case.
I can't speak to Dallas/Houston, but my guess is they are similar to Atlanta in that cash flow is difficult to get especially if you are only going to be putting down 3.5% on the property. The goal of house hacking isn't to cash flow, it is purely to minimize your living expenses or to offset them into what you own. As rates change, you may be able to save money, but for now I'd focus on buying something with the $2k/mo spend that you can build equity through.
I hope that helps!