Getting started out of state

[Scott Loud]

Hello, after analyzing my own local market it seems like there are better markets where my money could be put to use. Which leads me to my question.

How does one narrow down a market to invest in? 

Do you go with where is popular now and face all the competition or are more stable markets also candidates?  

For instance, I’ve lived in Orlando and grew up in the Charleston, WV area. I know both of those markets fairly well, one is growing fast and one is barely growing at all. My money will go farther in places like Charleston but also be harder to maintain tenants or flips may stay on the market longer. Orlando would cost more but easier to maintain. 

Is it worth it to invest in cheaper, more stable markets to get my first properties under my belt? Or do you always want to go where things are growing?