Newbie Investor Choosing a Market

[Nicole Blankenship]

Hello BP community-

I've been an avid listener to this podcast ever since my interest in real estate peaked last year. I just read David Greene's long distance real estate investing book and am now trying to choose a market that is out of state from me. 

I am currently in Arlington, VA (DMV area) where housing prices are pretty expensive. I'd like to purchase a rental property (SFH 3/4BR) out of state that is either turnkey or needs minor rehab done with it. My full time job is flexible so I am able to fly out to this location to get a look at the property & make connections in the area. I have about $40K cash (and other investments if needed to withdraw) saved up for this purchase, now I just need to zero in on a location. I have narrowed down my options to the markets below:

Dayton, Columbus, or Cleveland, OH
Fayetteville, NC
St. Louis, MO
Detroit, MI
Columbia, SC
Indianapolis, IN
Louisville, KY

I know these are a lot of options.. I am looking to connect with any investors, agents, lenders, etc. in these areas OR any that you are currently in and recommend to other investors starting out. Thank you in advance and I look forward to connecting with you :)