It's a good time to review markets, but living in China there are a lot of other closer, international markets that could be options as well.

This property has a ton of deferred maintenance but I'm purchasing it well below market value and I have a decent budget. 

If market appreciates you can get a HELOC on it or cash out refi in a few years to scale faster.

I am not sure if I should stay local to my market.

If your aunt isn't in a big rush, another option may be (I'm not familiar with TX law):- Pay your aunt for a Right of First Refusal (means you get a chance to buy it before anyone, but has to be notarized by you and your aunt and filed at the courthouse)- Sell your house on or off market.

Can you please share any information on properties or markets where you are that can help guide my search?

our first baby is officially on the market and i have mix emotions but more happy because im excited for the next chapter !

Going DIY and self-managing this type of asset from another state may not be an easy task for such a building and neighborhood, it needs more attention (and probably capital).Try an unconventional approach.

Cleveland is a great market, but hopefully my warning here will help you avoid the headaches I endured.

I live in a town of about 100k people here in Dothan, AL, so STRs aren’t the most popping market.