All depends on what your goals are and what market fits your game-plan/criteria. 

I am currently in the market to purchase a tri-plex with the plan to live in one unit, make upgrades, and rent the other two out.

If you can answer these types of questions you will know what is important as you game plan for the next 10 years.

It would be good to talk to a lender to make a game plan and review your financials. 

I would also weigh if you plan on staying in the home you are in now for a long time or move in the next 5 years.

If you do decide on an area, please go visit and spend time in that area and get to really know it and the team you plan on working with before investing into it.

Prioritize properties with rental potential, plan for reserves and tenant strategies, and stay patient as you network and learn.

Projected sale: 950-990k Replacement property budget: 990k - 1.1M Plan: rent out the replacement home until meeting the requirements, then move into it while renting out a portion of the home via short-term rental 

I just acquired one from a PM where they were charging a tenant a resident benefit package and a building protection plan.  

My suggestion to any one that are first time real estate investor in fix & flip, or planning to hold property for rentals, is to learn or read, understand about real estate financing first, build your assets and network or partner withsome has completed some projects in fix & flip and has some rental properties with positive cash flow within your immediate area before dving in to any project by youyrself.