Hi @Rita SamaddarI recommend areas based on three things:Budget: Knowing your cash to close helps me suggest the best areas, especially if you're using a hard money loan.Rehab Level: Whether you prefer low or major rehab impacts the neighborhoods I'll recommend.Market Dynamics: Areas with minimal days on market are ideal, as they predict how quickly your property will sell post-rehab.In conclusion, start with how much you have to work with and the level of rehab you're comfortable with to find the best areas for fix and flip.

My SFR is well maintained with all walls intact, newly painted and orange peel textured.

As they say, they want to maintain traveler trust.It a good reminder, thanks for posting!

My wife and I are interested in expanding to help bump up our cash flow to help at least one of us exit our current W2 jobs but are hesitant to do so given the current market climate. 

After all, who is the most motivated seller in any market?

(From there find an agency that specializes in the type of project you are looking for, set up Zillow alerts and watch- understand the market you are diving into so you can spot a deal, a good agent should do this for you too!)

Are there strategies for furnishing or marketing it as an MTR/STR that will enhance the chances of it being booked?

It’s a part of the state many investors stay away from because they don’t know the market, if you’re from the area and know it well this could be advantage for you!

The picture shows the house looks clean, well maintained, and like it would be a perfect rental.

What ever I can about the real estate market in NZ to be able to understand advavntages, disadvantages, know where to find information and so on.