@Anthony Sanzari a first time homebuyer is defined as someone that hasn’t had ownership interest in any property within the last 3 years.

Define your buying criteria, make sure it's reasonable for the market you are investing in, and go find a property that meets those criteria- regardless of a pandemic, the stock market, etc. 

I'm a big fan of the BRRRR book since he addresses all the major aspects of real estate investing like finding deals, forming relationships, what types of repairs you should do, etc etc.

I define over extended that a scenario such as the Great Recession (GR) that had many markets suffer large RE price declines and increased vacancy/lower rent would cause you to either sell or default. 

Used other posts, stakes, number signs (reflective) to define each space.Mix.

Once you have an idea of what you can do, then define the area you want to be in and start shopping. 

I feel like the latter is the best way, especially if I'm not super interested in the flipping aspect for anything other than just capital creation.

@Mike Wadsley Was it mainly the affordability aspect that drove you to invest in Knoxville? 

Appraisers are supposed to look at location, configuration, size, condition, style and then after all of that is done, then they can get super picky with aspects pertaining to lot location, lot size, or uniqueness of the property or whatnot, such as the floor plan.

As for TX I believe they are more landlord friendly so it makes life easier in that aspect but overall you can't go wrong!