My key criterion is a property with strong potential for value appreciation over the next 5-10 years. 

If the average days on the market for recently sold properties is relatively low and they are selling close to the listing price then the data is telling you that the risk of purchasing, renovating and reselling quickly is relatively low, despite the crime data.Establishing local relationships and having a team on the ground that you can trust can mitigate the risk associated with a potentially bad neighborhood.Regarding West Englewood- We sold a property in that neighborhood in the fall for an absentee owner.

Its frowned upon because in many states, we 1099 the borrower after the property sells and if we don't list the property, and don't expose the property to the largest potential buyer market, we can expose ourselves to litigation for artificially suppressing the sales price.

The market in Fla is full of potential.

I'm wondering if this is still a smart option to generate equity even if I'm paying the difference on the loan myself or potentially sell after my time in Hawaii comes to an end.

For folks like this, we ensure they are maximizing their 401k, HSA and IRA before even mentioning any potential real estate strategies.

Section 8 housing that is going for $100K is potentially going to be in rough shape, in a rough neighborhood and have little appreciation potential.

Columbus, OH is indeed a promising area with lower entry points and strong cash flow potential.

There is also the potential to fit another unit, which would actually decrease my construction costs (less total sq feet), but increase sales costs.

I mentioned Newnan for its potential in the BRRRR or Fix and Flip strategy, among the other cities you mentioned.