Some of these cities I've been to maybe once or a few times, but I am unfamiliar with the intricate dynamics (crime, house hold incomes, neighborhood culture and trends). 

Higher income households pay a greater $ amount, but everyone pays an equal proportion.

Average salary there is $40k/yr. and median household income is $60k/yr., while you're asking rent is over $32k/yr.

Home ownership rates always seem to hover in the mid 60 percent range, which means 30-something percent of the households in the US are renters. 

I think you'll see more appreciation potential in the two larger cities if you buy in solid neighborhoods.In general however the Triad is not building anywhere near the amount of apartment housing that would satisfy apartment household formation, so reasonably priced units rent almost immediately anywhere in the area.

Median household income growth: Rising incomes are a greater indicator of rising rents than population growth or job growth.

So, for example, I would say of a 3 BR detached house that it would work for a household of three people requiring two BR and an office, or a household of three people each requiring a BR.

I recommend That you begin to invest in Real Estate After you finish baby Step 3.Baby Step 1 – $1,000 to start an Emergency FundBaby Step 2 – Pay off all debt using the Debt SnowballBaby Step 3 – 3 to 6 months of expenses in savingsBaby Step 4 – Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirementBaby Step 5 – College funding for childrenBaby Step 6 – Pay off home earlyBaby Step 7 – Build wealth and give

Ultimately, we want to unlock the potential of her (SD)IRA while allowing me/household to generate income and grow her pot tax-free.

With studios, you have several things vs. larger units:1) More rent in terms of $/sqft, however,2) Smaller households mean more turnover than larger units.3) I think a neighborhood has a lower capacity (they don't need as many) for studios vs. 2 beds.