To remedy this for next time I am in the process of creating a design board that can be used as a base for future flips.

We're National - I'm based in California.   

I'm California-based where there aren't any real deals in my area, so I'm exploring Detroit as an alternative real estate investment market - due to the combination of it being a strong market and my having connections in the area. 

When you design with that in mind—an outdoor dining table on the deck to enjoy stunning views over dinner, a decked-out game room for in-house entertainment since they’ll be tucked away in the mountains, cozy nooks for reading or morning coffee, and a fire pit for late-night conversations under the stars—it enhances that experience and makes your property stand out.At the end of the day, people book based on how a space makes them feel, not just because it has a bed.

However, based on your timeline, it seems like your decision may have already been made.

That way you have a home base that isn't sitting vacant and you are producing income. 

In the past 10 years, Ocala has greatly improved the employment base, adding tons of logistics and distribution jobs on top of the medical, service and equestrian jobs that we have always had. 

For any value add project, the primary evaluation is based on the numbers.Provided you have trustworthy teammates for the renovation side and a competent agent on the valuation side, you'll perform no matter the location.It seems your weighing factors that relate more towards long-term investing and where your asset will appreciate the most.In respect to emerging markets, you'll want to use characteristics like population growth, employment growth, safety trends and path of progress.

Coincidentally, I’m currently listening to the BP Real Estate podcast, Episode 1,054: The Expert Investor: Early Retirement is a Mistake, Rent Instead of Buying.

My capital continues to be completely tied up in the property since I'm pretty maxed on my LTV and likely can't unlock any more equity with a HELOC or something like that.The goal of this project was always meant to be a short term exit so I could continue to try and aggressively grow my real estate portfolio, but now it feels like I'm stuck at first based.