It seems you and your husband have the ability to make a property more desirable and I would try to stay local for the same reasons you listed. 

The property will be in more desirable locations that command better rents. 

In my experience, there are a range of starting-off experiences, but one's experience is not always indicative of someone's desire/drive/commitment to pursue and thrive in real estate. 

If you buy upscale (desirable) properties in desirable areas as opposed to affordable (undesirable) crapboxes in undesirable areas you won’t need to entice tenants.

Also make sure to build on a property located in a desirable location with larger pop density and if holding for rentals, charge median rent for that market as lenders want to see a bigger pool of buyers/renters available to occupy/sell. 

As long as you are getting your desired amount of cash flow after all of the expense then it should be good.

They are often located in desirable neighborhoods and are close to good schools.

We are buying new construction in the most desired areas of the market, and buying the smaller properties in the neighborhood, not the big ones.

Purchase price: $295,000 Cash invested: $50,000 Single fam home, desirable neighborhood.

(Starbucks / yoga studio / craft brewery /boutique cookie,coffe or ice cream shop  are the easiest targets)-Activation of dormant retail sites-Increased foot traffic For B to AAbove also apply-Home valuations (are homes in the increasing at rates above nearby or similar neighborhoods)-Is it walkable or are projects in place to make it highly walkable for residents-Is it near highly desirable activity centers -is it unique (for example - Can it get historic designation)