I live in Coastal Georgia, and stumbled across the Valdosta market last night.

Hey Richard, I have been in the birmingham market for quite a while.

And lastly, it is one of the few remaining markets that you can get a 'steal' for a property.....all I recommend is that you rely on your 'boots on the ground' to point you in the right area codes.  5/30/24 Update:  I have been patiently waiting until our court date to reply to this post. 

There are deals to be found in any market.

Interest rates priced buyers out of the market because the returns no longer made sense. 

What market are you looking to exchange into?

I am from North Carolina but manage my current rental arbitrage properties in Medellin, Colombia & Rio de Janeiro Brazil.Now, I am looking to start buying real estate - likely in the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina where I am from, but also open to new markets.I stretched myself very thin on my arbitrage business, so my cash is very low. 

I am seeking advice on the most ideal location in terms of ease of renting, a strong rental market, and potential future appreciation in value over the next 5-10 years.

Especially in this market with a house hack- that is the golden ticket!

Quote from @James De Stefano: Some of the more seasoned vets here know all about foundation repair, but for thought this could be helpful for anyone starting out.  60 seconds background:Houston is essentially built up on a swamp, couple that with back 2 back brutal summers with little rain, and nearly everyone I've talked with recently has some sort of foundation issues creeping up.