Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

.: I’m currently renovating a rental property and exploring ways to manage costs without compromising on quality.

I manage around 400 rentals with 14 years of experience and have never been sued once.

Seeing as they are $45-80k properties, we know they are not in good locations which means you should pad your budget more and expect expenses to be higher than normal. 

That means learning how to vet a manager.

As others have said, the best thing your son can do is run far from this deal, buckle down, save his pennies (he probably already is doing this), house-hack, and improve a property with sweat, hard work, developing a DIY skillset, and self-managing tenants. 

Idk if I like this tertiary of a location way outside of DFW.

location of your QI really isn't a factor. 

I'm located in Daytona Beach, FL.

( Regarding interior, and not HOA, management, location)Anyone has experience renting for snowbirds?