I also pay my mortgage for the house I live in.

I need to find a place to live and I don't know what to do. 

Quote from @Roxanne Whitaker: Please be aware if you buy an investment property and do not live in MD, when you go to sell it you will pay an 8% tax at settlement. 

I think it would be the right direction since we already decided to buy using a VA loan and live in SC. 

@Isaac TerryIn terms of it being worthwhile, just like most other markets out of state if the barrier or entry is too high where you live, the landlord laws are not favorable where you live, and you are looking for positive cashflow then Cleveland can be a good option.

If you aren't going to be living in Texas then it would be tough to do a house hack there.

You said that you are applying for an FHA loan so it sounds as though you'd be living in one unit. 

I’m looking to start in DFW since I live in Arlington but eventually I’ll be open to other markets to diversify my portfolio.  

.: I live near Nice France half the year.

A lot of the popular areas in Charleston proper that are not licensed under the old laws now require the owner to live on the premises to obtain an STR license.