Where are you guys doing your buy and holds in Birmingham?

[Christopher McGuire]

I'm hoping some of the major players will share some wisdom. I started my buy and hold portfolio about 6 years ago and have found some diamonds in the rough in the Huntsville/Decatur market.  I grew up in that area and know it very well.

About three years ago I moved to Birmingham for work and haven't jumped in the local game yet and it is killing me. I live in Crestwood (and love it) but this area is a little too expensive for me to get into buy and holds.

Can any of you local guys tell me where you are getting houses and what a typical deal looks like?  I see some good price to rent ratios from my initial research in the East Lake area but unsure if that is a "safe" neighborhood. I don't mind the places where I can get robbed but would like to stay away from the places where a robbery could turn to a murder pretty quick.

 Any guidance would be appreciated.  I would be more than willing to buy someone lunch, coffee or a round of golf to pick their brain.

Thanks, guys!