Well I was planning on paying cash for 2-4 duplexes in one of those above stated areas. So no matter how bad the market gets, I can always lower the rents untill the market goes back up. No need to exit at all for any reason. It's not the property that gets you rich but the tenants that do :D
As for management, that is the most important part IMO and once I select a city, then I have the project of researching managers in that area. That will be my biggest obstical I think. No one will have the same regard for the properties that the actual owner has. The owner wants the best and the management firm usually just wants the income. Different motivating factors. Lots to look into in that area, but first I have to pick my city of choice.
Looking for a city that will appricate ( so is currently undervalued ), has a vast pool of renters ( universities or military bases nearby are great ), most (70-80%) can afford the rents on my properties, has low vacancy rates, has a low end that I can get into 10-40k a property, etc...
Thanks for the advice and support so far :)