Are you saying I can find professional long term  house mates  or travel nurses in those areas? 

I'm currently a Superhost on Airbnb managing my own property long distance (in Dominican Republic).

hey Brendan, I m looking for student rent by room, do you think that's doable by long distance managing?

However, anyone commuting to west Huntsville/Madison/Toyota plant is not going to live in Hazel Green, as it will be a long commute in rush hour. 

In my opinion housing pressure in Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, and Ulster county you will continue to see price increases in the long run ( value ).

It would be in line with the typical theory that sfh are going to generally get a more long term, serious, “pride of ownership” type resident..but it’s not always the case…good screening is a better strategy than avoiding mf..in my opinion

If you can find the right tenants and live there as long as possible to make sure care is given to the space, I believe that will go along way. 

@Doug Smith  I like all the cash buyers, who are cash buyers as long as the property can be bought Sub2 or with 100% owner financing. 

As long as everything works (lights, plumbing, etc.) and there are no hazards (like an open ground) the big things are peeling paint (particularly on window sills) and smoke detectors.

But- since you are a newbie, in lay person's terms, the answer is yes...but slowly and over a very long time. 27.5 years, to be exact.