Welcome to the real estate hive.. are you open to exploring off-market listings through your network? 

Purchase price: $107,000 Cash invested: $80,000 Sale price: $280,000 Sourced an off market fix & flip deal in the western suburbs of Atlanta near an area where I knew an Amazon facility was being constructed and buyer demand would pick up.

These were in the Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach markets, but I believe this is a factor to consider in any market you're looking at. 

(assuming market does not crash etc).

I would recommend you focus on a couple neighborhoods that you would like to live in; and familiarize yourself with that market.  

Now there are tertiary markets in the US that will be low value assets but not super high risk those are your smaller towns but your upside is severely limited.

Quote from @Michael Calvey: Quote from @Sebastian Bennett: Can we re-name the reviews category: Rent to Retirement Marketing.

It's also helpful to consult a local real estate agent to understand market trends, including demand, vacancy rates, and rental growth patterns.

Are you looking at investing in Birmingham or other markets?

-With my current role in my career and trajectory, I will be able to make the move out of midland in 1-2 years, so I would love the ability to leave and not worry about my home sitting on the market when we are trying to buy a home in Austin.Those are some of my thoughts and I would love to understand the reasoning for/ against this.