There's two parts to this question I see: the ideal property and the ideal client/owner =)For property, it depends on what's in demand in that market and your goals.

Any advice on potential MTR markets near Houston and surrounding areas?

However, I would encourage you to Network work local real estate clubs in the PA/NJ area to help identify your target market and ideal investment for your first property.

How do you evaluate if a property is ideal for flipping or if you should keep it as a rental?

Ideally, I’d stick with a single market, but the numbers in Houston didn’t make sense anymore, and I didn’t want to buy another short-term rental.

Quote from @Andrew Betts: A single family home with a pool near Disney would be ideal, however there are around 70,000 of those available.

Ideally 70-75% LTV and sub 7% rate.

I see mostly out of state or out of country investors working with New Western in Birmingham because they don't have the knowledge of the city and surrounding areas.

Has it been in surrounding areas, OOS investing, or have you found deals in NYC?

Househack properties in 2024 sold 1-2 weeks faster than they did in 2023.Deals are tougher to negotiate as well. 2 of NYC's surrounding Counties (Westchester & Suffolk) are averaging above asking price sales on 2-4 family properties.