[Out-Of-State] What States/Cities to avoid?

[Neel Jain]

Is there any rule about which States/Cities to avoid when looking at Out-Of-State investing for buying and renting?

Coastal States for sure are out when someone is just starting out with a limited budget of < $75k and looking for something that rents at ~$1000 per month.

The South and Mid-West are our best bet.  

Are there any States/Cities within the South, Mid-West, and Sun States to avoid because of war-zones etc.?