Net migration is due to increase in the next couple of years and tougher mortgage rules have forced potential first-time buyers to stay in the rental market.

It can get pretty tricky because the bank will want the loan to stay at the current LTV.

If you want to "flip" a house with a conventional loan, you will probably need to do a live-in flip and stay there for a few years before selling it.  

So even if it’s not in Birmingham, stay in contact with that agent either by phone, email or text to show them how serious you are.

Are there any indicators that suggest population will increase, decrease or stay about the same? 

They may just stay and not pay 2.

I’m from a small town surrounded by about 4-5 other small towns, and I try to stay in that area.

Let's hope it stays that way :) (Fingers crossed).

i would stay away from SFH as your first purchase. you are 100% responsible for that mortgage should something happen like you lose your job or something. a multi family gives you breathing room. one thing to keep in mind is the taxes...sure the Bronx may have higher prices compared to NJ....but you can find properties in the bronx with 2-3k annual property tax rates.....while Jersey has some of the highest property tax rates in the country. factor that into your math and not just the purchase price. 

I'd be looking to flip land in other areas of the country.There are multiple reasons I'm staying away from fix and flip (at least for the time being).