Decatur Alabama. Is it a good market to rent?

[Derek G.]

Calling All Fellow Northern Alabama Investors!!!
I'm originally from Huntsville Alabama. I know most of the surrounding areas and cities fairly well. However, I'm unfamiliar with Decatur with the exception of driving through it on occasion. 
Is it worth me buying homes in the area to rent? Is something wrong with the market there? Are there areas in Decatur to avoid purchasing homes. Thanks in advance or any replies! :) 

[Brian Reynolds]

I created a map for new and out of state investors for the Huntsville area, such as myself.  It's open to the community and editable by anyone with the link.  Since I don't know how different areas compare with one another yet, this might be helpful to folks interested in Huntsville and surrounding areas like Madison, Harvest, Decatur.  For instance @Derek G. you recommend avoiding NW Huntsville.  Maybe you can draw out the area on the map and add a little description why?  I added a sample area and rated it C-, but that is there just for an example, with a made up description with nothing based on reality.

Check it out and everyone feel free to edit it if you are knowledgeable about specific areas.  Perhaps we can "crowd source" some knowledge.  No idea how this will work out!

Google Maps: Huntsville Area REI