New guy, any tips? Trying to pick an area to invest in. FL AR NC

[Jonathan Klingenberg]

Hi all. Figured I'd give a try here as it is mentioned as thee place for rei in plenty if spots. 

I grew up helping my Grandpa with the several buildings he had/has from my teens to late 20s. Now in my late 30s I'm going to be investing in some myself. Been reading up to refresh myself & fill in any blanks I find. 

Now, tho I'm feeling like its time to start looking but being as I'm currently in CA, I will be investing out of state. One thing no book has addressed is trying to narrow in on a good market. I've been perusing through the south, a lil in the midwest, florida, rust belt and hell if they dont all look the same after a while. Property tax, favorable laws, & growth rate are so far the main difference I see but really dont get me to a specific area. Everywhere tho has roughly the same cost, every are has good/bad neighborhoods & schools etc. How do you all narrow it down?

Right now I'm stuck between Tallahassee/Gainesville, several spots in Arkansas, Charolette NC with back up glances around Huntsville Al & Tennessee. 

Thats where I'm at. Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?