I think this is smart to do, but you are making move for quality of life as well so make sure the town is a place you will enjoy (along with the new job) living.I've seen people use metrics to move out-of-state without really getting a feel for how much their lifestyle suits the new market.

*Newbie Investor I’m currently looking to buy a long term rental with minimal renovations in North Carolina and chose Fayetteville as my main area of interest.

I am buying two foreclosures (a SFH and a triplex). 

Don't buy and hope. 

As you grow and buy more properties would suggest a trust or similar entity. 

Mortgage Interest Deduction: You can deduct the interest paid on a mortgage used to buy, build, or improve your home.4.

When I’d reach out, I would simply say something simple like “I'm looking for fixer-upper houses and can buy it off market for an on market price.

You are looking to rent or buy a space with a partner to have a personal fitness business or just a class?

I will add we took out a loan to buy the home for 20k along with extra cash to put into our home to make a "home office" out of the attached garage we never used except for storage so we added even more value to our 156k purchase.

BUY EVERYWHERE.