Christopher,Helocs have changed over the years because you could get a Heloc with a rate in the low 3-4% which made the payment affordable.

This metric was the liveability and affordability metric which I cant define very objectively as median income, family friendliness of a suburb, affordability, shopping & schools and distance to major business centres comes into play.

Look into high-demand rental areas like Pine Hills (near colleges) or Delaware Avenue (affordable multifamilies) and consider the BRRRR strategy if you're open to rehabbing properties.

NC is a nice state to invest in if you can afford the entry points. 

Memphis has been an amazing market for BRRRR due to its affordable property prices, strong rental demand, and solid cash flow potential.Would love to hop on a call and go over your questions—let me know when you’re available!

That's how I do all of mine in the affordable housing areas. 

Houston has its expensive areas but pretty affordable overall. $500K gets you a 1969 split foyer in a decent neighborhood in my area .

There are a lot of places that stand to grow significantly over the next couple of decades but that are still affordable enough for learning/growing stage investors.

This provision, through the Affordable Homes Act, make ADUs legal BY RIGHT in any single family zoned property in the state.

Most Canadians investing countryside seem to be moving their money into properties in MB, SK, or AB due to affordability and in AB's case the more landlord friendly laws.