It can be a challenge to find a "great deal" in NWA given the overall prosperity and growth of the region.

I'm going to rely heavily on feedback from anybody on here that has feedback to give about market growth, opportunity, landlord friendly state, tax friendly etc....

Net population outflow, anemic job growth, high taxes, high(ish) cost of living, and on-market deals generally have pretty unattractive rent-to-price ratios...the works.

4) Is there any corporations building offices or creating economic growth in any of the C+ or better areas?

Mortgages: 300k in 2016 vs 100k in 1990 = only 4.3% CAGR, about 2% higher than inflation and fairly in line with wage growth over the same period so kinda meh.  

Appreciation markets offer rent growth along with equity growth without you lifting a finger. 

Should I do this or use the $88K HELOC remaining balance at 2.4% Fixed Rate for PRIVATE FUNDING to get a higher rate of return "OR" use this to buy another property as a "BRRR" Investment to leverage the equity for growth?

I agree about most of your comments re NZ especially the one with the Zombie Apocalypse occurs....Saying that Auckland is the only place worth investing in my opinion, thats is the only market where Rent and capital growth is happening.

It's true that there are neighborhoods in Atlanta like Kirkwood, O4W, Inman Park, etc. that have seen a large growth in appreciation over the last few years as parts of the inner city have become revitalized.  

As a result of the low supply and high demand, the cost of a home has outpaced income growth.