Any thoughts on how to choose - what metrics to evaluate, resources to read to help? 

You are choosing to lose money.

@Sherry TsaiIf you choose to self manage, it would be the one closest to where you live.

After that you'd be free to move back into your single family home property if you so choose. 

There is no given answer here, because the whole property needs to be relatively consistent.Kitchens and baths are the common answer, but if they are passable and you choose to invest in them anyways at the expense of peeling paint (or off putting exterior color) and overgrown landscaping, the appraiser and tenant will be walking up with a bad taste in their mouth, thereby not valuing the interior work you have done.But think about the general flow of someone looking to rent: more bedrooms will typically dictate more rent.  

Regarding the deals you see listed after 2 years, sometimes investors choose to take advantage of the appreciation they've gotten and move it elsewhere.

I choose that market due to affordability, potential cashflow and cash on cash return. 

The property you choose, is based on satisfying the financial requirements for that deal, at that time.Simple.  

With interest rates climbing gradually and the "potential" for a recession, the need for housing is still at an all-time high and people are choosing apartments for several reasons.

Please send me a DM if you want me to pass those along.How did you choose that geographical area being your profile says you live in another state?