You must compare apples to apples - I would never remotely compare my real estate experience to that of a full time real estate agent/broker/investor/developer/contractor. 

Almost none of it apples to me or my goals.

So, while I can not speak to what goes on in the so-called “hood” I can say we have some bad apples up here in the ‘burbs.

Doesn't seem to allow me to add pics from my phone :( I'm using ios

I liked the quick multiple quoting process and the detailed question the app asked so you get some apples to apples pricing.I would caution that a few vendors "quote" an on-call visit that they will waive if they get the job so it may appear they only cost $50 or $90 for a $300 job.  

It’s always wise to collect data from multiple sources - just make sure your making apples to apples comparisons (bedrooms, lot size , school districts etc.)

If you get a bad apple the housing authority will make it hard for you to get them out.

You mentioned Charlotte, Orlando, and Vegas as being popular, but with these being so different FROM each other, I don't feel these are apple to apple comparisons.

Even before the pandemic, less burdensome taxes in Texas drew huge tech companies like Tesla, Oracle, Facebook, Apple and Google — and their employees — to Austin, Texas.

There are always pockets in neighborhood that are good and bad, sometimes 2 houses on a block are rotten apples and the rest of the block is fantastic.I would drive around and get a feel of your desired area's.