It sounds like you’ve set a strong foundation for your real estate investing journey, especially with the time you’ve spent educating yourself.

Setting clear expectations can help you pretty much everywhere as well.

Setting up out door grilling space, because if you don't they will so it's a matter of do you want it at random or by designation. 

And good set of areas you are looking at!

All of these spots are awesome locations to buy and set up as an STR (short term rental) use VRBO/AirBNB to triple your monthly NOI.If you need ay advice or want to talk REI or which locations are best feel free to reach out! 

I'm happy to chat about the calculator I use when evaluating properties along with my set inputs.

We are leaning towards buying in the new area if we love it with some W2 income that we will set aside.  

If you go this route you better find a way to set yourself apart.

I would have to get with the property manager and mimic the exact plans they have set up in the lease, all of which were probably customized by the PM to get a few extra dollars.  

Set up a contracts account at both Lowes and HD.