We thought we had done a good job with our condo until a superhost bought it and did a few things we didn't think about over the years (dedicated work space/desk, high chair, pack n play) and I just want to start with fresh eyes and suggestions.

Three of these units have undergone extensive remodeling, receiving fresh paint, upgraded appliances, new flooring, efficient HVAC systems, and brand new water heaters.

Nice fresh prince reference.

If so, we can just look at Dallas as a whole, and start our search in the counties/ZIPs that look most promising)These are the maps we created:FloridaMissouriGeorgiaMarylandNorth CarolinaVirginiaPennsylvaniaNew YorkColoradoTexasAfter looking at these maps, and reflecting on where we would want to live, we narrowed it down to the following 5 (in order of personal preference):Denver ColoradoThe San Antonio -> Austin TX CorridorThe Washington, DC to Richmond VA CorridorSouthern MarylandRaleigh-Durham, NCNext StepsWe are still discussing what our next logical step is...but we are fairly certain the next immediate step is doing a more qualitative analysis of the areas: reading business journals, reading local newspapers, investigating school and community development initiatives, investigating school quality, etc.With that qualitative analysis, we will likely eliminate another 1-3 cities, then plan to build our team and network with local investors After that, we will build our team in those cities and plan a visit to build relationships and vet properties.I hope that revealing part of our process helps at least one person, even if it's just learning something about your market from the HUGE CSV FILE I posted.Do you agree with this process?

I’m fresh out of college, living with my parents.

Families who had a house fire and lost everything, being able to give them a fresh start.

Once you're clear on your goals and where you want to be in 5-10 years, the strategy will reveal itself. 

Fresh paint - all closetsMinor bathroom updates - paint, lighting fixtures, grout tilesPatio - stain, and seal Dining - new chandelier Lessons learned?

Some clean blacktop and fresh parking lines exude "this owner cares about the details".A well-organized leasing office and clean clubhouse/bathrooms.  

The other sub contracts out work he gets from Facebook marketplace for cleaners, you end up paying $250 for a cleaner and you end up getting “BO” who is fresh off a weekend bender to clean your cabin for crackhead prices and 70 percent of the take goes to the guy who found the work on marketplace.