All are 3bed 2bath and close to 300k range. which external factors should I consider to finally choose my home(appreciation & rental potential)?

@Bryan Milian1- One month of market research on major metro areas2- Two weeks of talking to leading agents in your top 3 markets3- Four weeks of learning the markets4- Offer, offer, offer- stick to fundamentals...long-term buy-and hold small MF (your available cash will be the number one factor in determining what you can afford and what locations you will end up buying in...you'll be comparing apples to apples in your top 3 markets...as long as you have a top agent, you'll be golden)Best of luck 

Mainly it will impact your insurance score which is a major factor in determining the rate.

The other complicating factor is that I currently reside in a different area of the country than that in which I am interested in investing. 

Deal size is an important factor here to point you in the right direction.

LOTS of factors to consider but the amount of your investment capital is a major one.

However, I have a limiting factor in my way which is not having a job hence not being able to finance any properties.

The numbers are the main deciding factor, not necessarily the loving the home or area. 

That said I expect things like carry interest, depreciation factors and carry forwards to be changed somewhat.

These factors include ports/airports, military bases, colleges, hospitals, big business moving in (Amazon, Boeing etc.)