You are on the right track....you can look in another market as @Charles Hoyer said, or you can change your search criteria in your own market.

While I am normally in the do-not-sell camp, in this case it might just sell and buy at the new location.

SwissPMG can assist you in your property search, underwrite, acquisition, rehab and property management here in Columbus, OH.

Quote from @Zachary Kay: Hey @Sarah Larbi,I recommend checking out Second Street (can google search "Second Street Costa Rica" and you should find their site).

It's going to be location specific.

The type of the neighborhoods where his properties were located didn't fit in with my plan but he did well and the purchase costs were low.

What location?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on this Team,more information here....Property Location: South FloridaRent 1 unit $1500Rent 2 unit $1200ARV: $500kPurchase price $380-385k. 

This encourages them to start their search now and (hopefully) leave early so you can turn the unit around and find new tenants sooner. 

I'd say just start your search with all 2-4 unit properties, and when you find one where the numbers make sense and it checks your other boxes (somewhere you actually want to live and house hack), then it probably makes sense.