@Brian Piechocki Currently, yes, I do think Mobile is a better area to focus your search. This is mainly because there are more properties available in Mobile County vs Baldwin County and the price points are lower as well. There is not a whole lot available in Baldwin County right now that would make sense as a long term rental.
The "1% Rule" is not set in stone as far as a property's ability to cash flow. There are obviously multiple factors involved including how much would need to be financed. However, that is a pretty good starting point as far as quick evaluations go. There are very few properties in BC available on the MLS that are under $200,000, meaning to hit 1% they would have to rent for at least $2,000. For the most part, this is not the case. There are some decent housing options at higher price points, 250k, 300k, etc. But, it would be pretty unrealistic to expect these to rent for $2,500 or $3,000
This is why my main focus for long term rentals is in Mobile. You can find houses for sale under $100,000 there. They wouldn't all be good choices, but there are more opportunities to check on anyway.
As far as Daphne vs Foley, I would choose Daphne. Foley is growing, but with new construction comes higher price points. In Daphne, Lake Forrest is always a good neighborhood to check. It's a decent area, with older but well maintained houses. The rent to purchase price ratios can be a little better as well.
