I would check some of the sub markets 15-40 minutes from Raleigh city center that still benefits from the Raleigh economy.- Everyone's situation and goals are different but I would assume there are a few quality markets within an hour of where you are located in Florida that would check a lot of your boxes. 

Then later on purchase homes with cash (single family homes), I would like to learn how to read the market and know where a state or city is thriving but also learn where it's not.

Also massive cuts to government spending that support recovering economies would not be good for that city.

The city has great macroeconomics - population growth, job growth, and lots of companies choosing to move and develop here like Intel, Amazon, Meta, etc.

I am moving from Kansas City Missouri.

Are you in the city or in a suburb, for example?

Every Week I scan the MLS, navigating cities and towns in South Florida that are friendly (and not friendly) toward short term rentals.

I've spent the last 3 years nagging the city to sell me a lot next to my property so I can install a driveway and they've finally agreed.

I use Beyond pricing in my vacation rental markets and Pricelabs in my city/mid-term rental markets.

Bay windows or built-ins can be a subtle way of blending modern convenience with the character of Ardmore’s older architecture.