In high priced markets, I think you'd have more luck flipping, especially if they're active markets with good sales volume and appreciating prices. 

You could also explore a jv partnership with a local investor.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: A few things there, Brendan.First, an LLC with you as a member and your (wife, son, pal, etc.) partner as a 1% member will file a Form 1065 which is about one tenth as likely to be audited by the IRS as a Form 1040 with a Schedule E rental activity (which I presume you will attempt to show is an active business).Second, you want an LLC because when your local Alabama handyman drives his girlfriend's uninsured truck into a van load of U of A medical school interns on I-22 when he goes  to get some shingles for your roof, on your business, you don't lose everything you have or ever will have to an uninsured claim. 

Criminal activity is not a protected class and actual values and opinion of values and their trajectory is just data, right?

How to Analyze if Your Home Will Rent Quickly•Check Active Listings vs.

Explore detailed population growth statistics at the Federal Reserve Bank of St.

I love that you’ve explored so many strategies.Attending BPcon in Cancun and now heading to Vegas is amazing!

Wondering if it worth it to explore providing temporary leasing vs. long-term leasing to begin.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, I highly recommend exploring the gift of equity deals and using sweat equity for renovations.

Have you looked into any specific states yet, or are you still exploring options?