While Albany and Rochester have potential on paper, New York state’s landlord-tenant laws are some of the most tenant-favored in the country, making it risky for long-distance investors, especially beginners.

Even very experienced investors can blanch at the prospects of long-distance management.

What happens if you get good at managing rentals nearby, would you want to long-distance self-manage?

It's a fair distance to McKinney to drive with a lot of traffic. 

If so, that can be a great way to offset your mortgage while building equity, but one thing to consider is keeping a bit of professional distance—sometimes it helps not to let renters know you’re the actual owner, especially if you're managing the property yourself.

This has created a shortage of smaller, more affordable housing options that could serve:Young families,First-time buyers,Retirees wanting to downsize, andMiddle-income workers who can’t afford today's prices.This “missing middle” has contributed to skyrocketing home prices, longer commutes, and displacement.🏗️ A New Vision for NeighborhoodsMiddle housing is part of a smarter, more inclusive approach to urban planning.

Someone actively investing and doing deals in those markets will understand the nuances much better than you will from a distance. 

Short commute to a major hub for all sorts of professionals.

Of course, these are just averages and projections so take them with a grain of salt.I agree with @Melissa Justice, anything in and around NYC (within 90 mins commute) will have a higher barrier of entry and less cash-flowing options. 

Despite what most people think, investing long-distance actually works.