Zip codes often span school districts and city linesIdeally you want a house in the same area (say 1/4 mile), built around the same time, similar size and condition, in the same school district and city.  

When NYC became a ghost town, people needed a place to go, and the Poconos were 100 miles away.  

About 5 miles away there is a Miracle Gro dirt bagging center. 

Not trying to break any rules, just see what the options are :-) An example would be that years ago we 'flipped a lot' where we each put in half the money but it was all done in their name.

Originally that’s what my friend wants but we negotiated I come in with at least half.

I wish we could pin your answer to the top of about half the posts on BP.

Since you can save half of a down payment, I would encourage you to do that.  

MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) with major airport within 50 miles Population of at least 150kMinimum of 3k housing unitsMedian home value between $100k-$250kHousehold income of $30k or greaterForecasted population growth rate greater than zeroHere is that map for San Antonio

I recommend local lenders that can underwrite the loan locally instead of sending it to a bean counter half-way around the world.

I was able to move half of the units to paying online/cashapp but a few of my tenants still don't have bank accounts or simply prefer paying cash.