I can 100% agree with you all that Pittsburg is still far from being the most aesthetically pleasing neighborhood within the metro area.

We're seeking an accountant within the metrowest with a real estate focus but also can help with individual tax prep. We're of "mom and pop" scale with goals to organically expand our RE holdings. I am curious who you...

If you come across something in Metro Atlanta, Smyrna, or Marietta we will be very interested.

Looking for local meet ups in the Metro Detroit area. ?

We also live in a very expensive market (Seattle metro area), so finding something that will be the best deal considering circumstance (i.e. living in it for 3-5 years before renting it out and being more of an appreciation market vs. instant cash flow).

Have middle school and high school within walkable distance and very close to Leander metro.

There are definitely some new builds that meet your criteria in the suburbs, but will likely be mostly tertiary markets further outside the metro area.

I'm pre-approved for $325k, which is laughable for Washington DC metro area!

Your project is much larger than mine, and very inspiring.is that not kind of a small house for such a large lot.. as we know in the PDX Metro area large lots are rare. 

If so, in that price range, I would try to do what @Ben Rhodin is suggesting to qualify for a little bit more because once you get to that 400k+ range, it opens up more single family houses that are available in decent condition.On average, single family  homes have appreciated about 6% per year the last 40 years in Denver metro.