Best Counties for a Starting Wholesaler?

[Christian Palmer]

I've got a friend who has been wholesaling around Gary Indiana and he seems to get some great deals (purchase @ $16K wholesale @ $40K) and I'm wondering if you guys have any other ideas for some good and relatively safe markets to begin wholesaling in anywhere in the country. I'm a realtor in California and I really want to start building some more wealth for myself but want to do it wisely. 

I've been told Vancouver WA may be a good place because the houses are 1960-1980 builds and its close to portland but much more affordable and its still nice enough to draw in potential middle-class buyers after being flipped when I re sell it.

Do you guys have any other suggestions or markets you've had success in or interest in? If so, why have you previously or why are you currently targeting these areas?