Help Understanding Birmingham market

[Larry Fried]

I am considering investing in the Birmingham market and live out of state. From a distance it looks like there are some really good opportunities.  I haven't yet visited Birmingham, but want to do so with more education under my belt.  I am particularly looking for help from those who live in the area, who have lived in the area, and really know it.  I like to know which neighborhoods and suburbs are the best areas for buy and hold investments (with good returns), and which should be avoided.  Use a scale if you like of A to D, although it can certainly mean very different things to very different people, so some reason as to why you classify with.  Transition areas are also good to recognize.