I’m relatively new to the idea of investing in real estate because I’m going to be the first in my family to choose this path over the traditional factory 9-5 job.

You can choose the location and targetting criteria you're interested in.

Choose people whom you trust to invest with.

I have been watching the podcasts on Bigger Pockets as well as just listening to them when I have the time it improves my knowledge in these areas, and hopefully be a very useful problem solver for a lot of people in my area or any areas I choose to expand too.

All are 3bed 2bath and close to 300k range. which external factors should I consider to finally choose my home(appreciation & rental potential)?

I could double up on beds maybe, increase to 16 but I choose to make it comfortable and not crammed in.

If you choose chrome or nickel (or brass/gold), matching shades and tones can get challenging.

Just be careful choosing!

However, as rents climb and the gap gets wider between what you are charging now and what you can raise rents to come up to market or just under, then I would be more likely to choose #3.

I would say that is important to recognize who is your renter and then choose a platform according to that selecton.