For southern states, you might want to look at smaller markets in Alabama, Mississippi, or parts of Tennessee and Arkansas where properties are still affordable and cash flow potential exists.

But if the situation arises I can't afford to have a tenant fall back 2+ months on rent.

The best areas to consider include East Point, West End, Kirkwood, Decatur (outside city limits), and Marietta, each offering a balance of affordability, appreciation, and rental demand.

Zillow Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy nailed it when he said mortgage rates have a massive impact on affordability.

Shelby Park is getting a facelift from many investors (myself included) and Smoketown is the next neighborhood in line if you're looking for an affordable price point with future growth.

I can't speak too much to the market on the Westside, but as far as affordability on the West Coast Spokane is worth looking into.

Typically, the investors I work with purchase properties in their personal names and then quit-claim the title into their LLC after the deed has been recorded.Markets like OKC, Memphis, and Little Rock offer some excellent, affordable growth opportunities, and I’d be happy to chat with you to explore these options further.

Many successful investors started small, such as with house hacking or buying affordable properties to rent out.

I want to raise rent, but 700 bucks is not affordable for the tenant. 

Their company is pretty great at not responding to their communities people , not following local law yet alone their own lease agreements The uptick of lot rents I get it it’s business but also driving out affordability for people which again it’s a business so some may say that part is just the territory , but not following lease agreements , hiring poor management and then doing nothing about it when it’s escalated is a reflection on their business aswell   best of luck.