I'm open to hear thoughts and opinions on best markets in those 2 states (or any other promising markets based on the criteria I outlined above) that I should focus on as a first-time investor.

All that being said I love living in the area it is close to Destin and the bases and very close to the water, much of the city is walking distance to a the water. 

Thousand Oaks, Stone Oak, Encino Park, Bulverde, etc) Schertz/Cibilo (not far from military bases, easy access to Austin/New Braunfels, up and coming/ many new nice neighborhoods) If the price range is  $175-250, I would look near Sea world and the west side.

Exploring creative financing options like portfolio loans leveraging combined property income, hard money loans based on property equity, private money lending from investors, or negotiating seller financing for new property acquisitions could offer viable alternatives to support your investment goals.

Value add is going to be a strong play in the REI world.

Another avenue would to get on the Facebook groups and identify local real estate groups based in Miami. 

On my first visit to California in 1986, my brother, who had just moved to Ridgecrest to work on the base, drove me through there. 

House-hacking here in Denver and Colorado Springs, for instance, you can rent a room for $800-$1000 long-term.

This goes back to doing more due diligence - talk to investors who have properties in those areas and to 5 experienced property management companies (instead of just 3) who will tell you what properties are renting for, potential problems, tenant base, etc

- Do you guys think interest rates will play a huge factor in the upcoming housing market?