The property will be in more desirable locations that command better rents. 

When choosing a location for your first rental, it’s great that you’re considering factors like crime rate, population growth, employment rate, and price-to-rent ratio—those are all key metrics.

It’s important to note that all markets have mixed neighborhoods, so careful consideration of the location is essential.The advantages of working with SDIRA Wealth is in their extensive market research.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I looked at his videos and I could locate similar houses at similar prices on Redfin, the ones that need rehab but are not in horribly dilapidated state.

If it's in a good location anticipated to go up in value, it could be worth it

@Jerry Chilimidos,Here is a list of lenders who specialize in lending to IRAs and 401Ks:https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/2810/50272-list-o...I don't know where your rentals are located and how they are performing but selling might be an option vs doing cash-out refi.I would certainly consider option C.

I've narrowed down the best return for my money in this market to a 2 bed/2 bath (with top tier amenities) - about 500 total 2/2 listings.I'm finding myself a bit stuck when analyzing why certain properties are making so much higher than the average listings when they seem to have very similar locations, amenities, style, flow of home, beds/# of people they sleep, reviews, number of reviews, etc.

Focus on buying properties in good locations that will attract high value tenants.

@Arun MaheshwariFrom my experience of working with over 400 investors, Richmond, Texas, is a promising location for single-family home investments due to its growing population, suburban appeal, and proximity to Houston's strong job market.