But usually section 8 is the same or slightly above market rents.

If you have a lot of family in OK, that can be a great place to start assessing since you have dedicated boots on the ground, as well as a reason to visit.Don't overthink the analyzing of markets when you are still figuring things out.

That seems to be harder in Cleveland than in our other markets.  

Hi Max, I can speak about the Columbus Ohio market (as this is the market I specialize in) but yes, there is strong competition here and there are obviously some cash buyers and they will always have a slight advantage.

Amid surging demand for apartments, the US rental market is contending with the largest supply of new units in four decades.

My recommendation would be to choose potential markets - in several price points - that have strong rental demand and year-over-year rent increases and that also are in markets that are appreciating. 

A lot of different strategies work very well in the Cleveland market.

I hear about all these different markets and get excited, but I knew I needed to pick one.

I don't know about other areas in TX, but I keep a close eye on Austin-SAN corridor, and I'm familiar with the market in Kyle, New Braunfels and NE San Antonio.

For all methods you would want to find a market that has strong employment rates, strong income rates for the market, and is a growing or an established market.