(FYI, Plantation Island has an average household income of $11k and a population of 163, however, 123 are men... you're welcome, ladies.)

How is this consistent in red counties/states?

I'd be very suspicious if you came up to me on the street and promised me consistent 25% annual return.  

I currently invest on Long Island but am looking into Buffalo since I have a friend relocating there.

The consistency of Property Management will open up lots of doors for you. 

Consistency, integrity in your relationships and investment numbers as well as being driven.  

If you are paying more than that it's  likely easily fixed by replacing the toilets with the high efficiency version (this has consistently been the case and has helped reduce the cost of sewer and water by 40-50% on properties that had old toilets).

Menu drop down is not consistent:  sometimes you can hover and slide down and other times attempting to select the Nth item in the list causes the list to disappear before you can click on any subitem, in particular; Community->Newest Forum Post

The market inventory is low right so you just have to patient and consistent because there is so much competition.  

I'm a 26yo mechanical engineer working in NYC and living on Long Island.