With a substantial down payment, targeting the suggested price range within Raleigh limits is not only possible but strategic, considering the city's job growth and vibrant community.However, as you've wisely pointed out, the expansion towards outlying areas like Selma/Smithfield and Benson brings both opportunities and challenges.

Agreed on the expansion, we are planning to get a few units (<20) at this stage and aggressively pay it off in the next 5-10 years to act as supplemental retirement income.

Continuing through, you'll discover a well-appointed kitchen featuring convenient access to the expansive backyard through the rear door.

Also future expansion to add additional buildings to rent.

Some of the expansion is on the fringes of the metro, like Casa Grande, but the demand will be there. 

Build a sustainable development strategy and take your time; rapid expansion calls for thorough preparation and execution.

**Tourism Trends and Market Expansion:**Tulum's appeal extends beyond its beaches, with attractions like archeological sites, cenotes,  and the multicolored lagoons of Nopalitos, Kan Lum, and Bacalar gaining attention as well as good food, good year-round weather, and kind & polite people.

If one market experiences a downturn, others may remain stable or even thrive.Higher Potential Returns: Some out-of-state markets may offer higher potential returns due to factors like lower property prices, higher rental yields, or stronger appreciation rates.Access to Different Economies: Investing in diverse markets allows you to tap into different economic conditions, potentially capitalizing on areas with strong job growth, population expansion, or industry booms.Specialized Opportunities: Certain markets may specialize in specific types of real estate, such as vacation rentals, college rentals, or luxury properties.

We have some experience with this in Jackson MS due to the expansive soil and yazoo clay.  

Another anecdote: I was going down the road of selling franchises, but decided instead to continue my expansion in Colorado while buying other PMCs for sale.