I've flown down and walked the units at Western Way and there is a lot to be desired.

The alternative to that is going to the Cape, Western MA, as well as adjacent states with coastal/lakeside properties where many of us New Englanders vacation. 

Partner and I bought our first STR in Western NC.

Western Oregon is surprisingly composed of smaller single family lots, usually around .10-.15 of an acre.

we are experiencing something similar with a property in western nc. its a large investment home, in a good area. we offered it at 100 per sqft . we have not had the attention it should have . i assumed it was due to storms , elections, interest rates. i could be wrong we may pull it from the market and finish it.

Out of your list, I suggest the Northern and Western cities you listed (Conroe, Montgomery, and Katy).

There are Markets in the western states like Vegas or Reno that offer a balance of cashflow and equity returns. 

I’m thinking with Metro, University Hospitals, and Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Med School in the area, there should be no shortage of travel medical professionals coming to the area!  

My wife and I are in Stillwater and have house hacked for a number of years as well as flipped and own mixed use buildings in Western Wi.

In U.S things changes a lot from France and the rest of western Europe.