Investing in small rust belt cities

[Derek Wanner]

Currently researching the next potential investment and curious of other people's experiences investing in smaller rust belt cities (<40,000). With the low barrier of entry, it is very enticing with the possibility of solid returns but equity growth seems stagnant at best. 

Has anyone had good experiences with this? It seems like it could be a bit more difficult to get a solid team of PM and handymen in the smaller market, but I would love to hear any success or horror stories of this scenario!