Best "Off Market" Cities to buy and hold in Metro Atlanta

[Rosanna Gonzalez]

My husband and I are getting mentally and financially ready to buy our first investment property in Atlanta. We are looking to purchase our first duplex to buy and hold. Initially we have always thought about investing in the Marietta/Kennesaw area or in Norcross. However after digging into BP, many investors recommend investing in “off market” areas. Can someone let me know what cities these would be? We are looking at purchases in the 70-80K range and dont mind properties in need of heavy renovations but are basically looking for decent tenants. We don’t need amazing tenants, just decent. We also need an area where I would be safe going alone (a female).

We have thought about South Atlanta but are concerned with the quality of tenants. Is there a middle ground between South Atlanta and East Cobb for example?