Great Location.

Dear All , I am located in Atlanta, GA .  

-------------------------------------------------------------------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?

Buyers are loving the softness of Champagne Bronze, and we are using that color for lights, plumbing fixtures, and cabinetry hardware.We find that these elements work no matter where you're located in the US, and no matter the ARV! 

I encourage you to interview property managers to determine what their approach looks like when managing properties for an investor who does not reside in the market where the property is located. 

I think both of your strategies have merit, but here’s my take based on what you’ve laid out.Moving to a rent-stabilized apartment and renting out your condo as a mid-term rental could be a smart pivot, especially with its location near a hospital and LGA.

Continuing on the north coast, another idyllic vacation rental location is Pacific City Oregon.

I agree with your approach in aiming for better locations, seems that texas (dallas /FT worth) fits the bill.

While there are some markets I feel are so saturated it is near impossible to be successful in todays market (Orlando), in most competitive markets you can be successful if a) have reasonable expectations and b) do everything right (price, location, pro design, pro photos, etc etc). 

Unless y'all have an incredible W2 to help with the purchase, you will not find something that "works" in the Triangle and in a good/safe location.