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

got out of flipping to new construction in our market in columbus ohio. licensed general contractor. when interest rates got high single family existing went down by 30% new builds sold at a 6% increase that year which demonstrated the desire and premium that new construction commands. never looking back. total control, rinse and repeat. we can get permits in 28 days. we can buy land cash in 21 days. we can build in 120 days to 140 days and keep moving. super scalable and easy and no risk. we build the same 2-3 Floorplans 

They had exhibited the desire to pay down debt and had cashed out the parks before us that had agreed to owner finance.

Flipping well requires pivoting and agility.  

If any of the proceeds touch the sellers hand the IRS sees it as taking profit and you will have to pay taxes on that portion.Net proceeds - Is the net sale, minus any Equity in home being sold.I find a lot of investors who want to purchase less than their reinvestment requirements will do the calculation to see what their tax burden would be if they purchase less than they sell.

This is why very often "buying for cash-flow" has less than desirable outcomes.

Tampa for example, the most desirable STR's are also very desirable to owner occupants (near beaches, near downtown, etc). 

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

That's a fundamental requirement.

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.