Advice on choosing a housing market?

[Sammie J. Bell]

I am eager to purchase my next real estate investment. I am currently living in my first investment property; all of the renovations/remodeling is done so I am reading to move out and start renting this. I am open to purchasing a multi family and house hacking for the next property. The problem is that I don’t know if I should purchase my next investment in Shreveport, LA or take the plunge and move to a city that is more expansive. What markers should I use to determine what city/area to invest in? The population of Shreveport has decreased in the last few years. Although I am very familiar with the area, I don’t know how to determine potential. Any advice?