Crappy fast food restaurants in an area verse mid-level franchise/national brands verse locally owned bistro style places or cocktail cars can tell you a TON about an area.   

Are you looking for architectural styles? 

The most common portfolio style loan in Texas is a 20 year adjustable rate loan.

@Kenneth Honer other reasons for a valid move include upgrading living style not square footage:Condition?

Commercial style loan.  

I’m planning on doing the same style floor for the entire space so I’m looking for waterproof because of the kitchen and durability because of dogs.

However newer homes built to more modern building code, with current style materials can offer some real benefits. 

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Charming 3 bedroom ranch In process of renovations

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?
Location, Val...

I have the capital to put a little more down with a conventional loan (15-20%), but my mortgage lender is telling me that if I am not planning to live there, I would need to put down 25% for an investment style loan.

The only down side if you left life style creep happen and start living off the excess cashflow the market stays flat and you didn't have any principal paydown during the period (I don't see this happening).