RBTR is his primary strategy in DFW and can probably share a few tips/recommendations with you. 

If you're willing and able, I do recommend the "house hacking" strategy which is just a fancy name for buying a rental property and living in one of the units, because you'll get very favorable financing - an owner-occupied fixed-rate 30-year mortgage.I'd also say, analyze that property as if you won't live there and it's a pure rental, and make sure the property is still cash flow positive if there's a tenant in your unit because then you'll know if it's actually a good investment.And when you analyze it, include payment of a property manager in your #s because if you don't, and doing so would make it go cash flow negative, then you've just bought yourself a job because you literally can't step away from managing it without losing money.

Question: What areas and asset types would be best positioned for appreciation in the next 5 years?

I have read many positive and some negative reviews.

My primary goal is to identify properties in high-demand neighborhoods, with a focus on value-add potential.

It is my belief your current situation is not a bad position (it is a goid position that will improve with time).  

They will be your BOG (boots on the ground) to be able to view the property.I will say that I did buy my current primary residence abroad and it wasn't fairly complicated, I would just do some things differently than I had initially anticipated if that makes sense.

Another must have requirement is to have positive cash flow.

You really have a great position here.If your private money runs out or runs tight, then you can explore other funding options like hard money.

Other factors as well of course: DTI, the LTV, primary residence vs investment property, etc.