I'll be looking for an agent to help narrow it down, as well as understanding them from the government websites.

I’ve spent a good amount of time running numbers and analyzing rent-to-price ratios, but I’m finding the hardest part is actually narrowing down which towns to target.A few things I’m keeping in mind:I like being near water since values usually hold stronger long-term.At the same time, I want to avoid areas with high flood risk.I’m focused on steady, long-term rental demand rather than short-term or vacation rentals.For those of you already investing in the Carolinas:How do you evaluate towns when deciding where to buy?

It feels like a 'band aid' to keep their customers from revolting.

But I would really appreciate some help with what to look for when narrowing down locations!

Typically, conventional (full income verification) investment property loan rates are 1%-ish higher than prime primary rates, but that margin seems to be narrowing for prime borrowers. 

That’ll help narrow down the best path.

I narrowed my search and buy box to Knoxville, Tennessee.

Solve it by narrowing your buy box, getting PM‑verified rents before you offer, using line‑item scopes with progress draws, and keeping two lending options on every deal.

This is a narrow pond dueto the structure of the ditch.

Id suggest narrowing your buy box (location, property type, price range) and running numbers on every deal so you know what truly fits your goals.