Any thoughts on Bloomfield, NJ or other towns that could appreciate well and have or lead to positive cash flow? 

Will look into these companies in town and see how I can connect with them and anyone else in the area with a reputable name.

Towns/cities hate them because there are no proprety taxes yet they chew up services for things like more school kids, etc.I'm sure there are deals to be had out there in parks for people that are looking. 

I have had legitimate folks ask to see my place in person for a 5 week rental and I did a FaceTime tour with another that was out of town.  

@David Leggett In my opinion the Local Agent comes from the town wanting someone to serve with legal process concerning the property.

My family is in Chicago so I am curious to buy a place that I would live in when in town.

Real estate prices always go upReal estate prices have always gone up over a long enough time horizon on a national average..... but yes, on a year-over-year basis or in a specific city or town your experience may differ 

NJ gets a bad reputation but if break state down town by town it is raising rents and collect rents is easy, just need to make sure you are buying in those favorable towns.

My STRs are in a small destination mountain town and finding good cleaners is the #1 struggle. 

Lubbock has a low barrier to entry and has several backup economic drivers by being the primary hub (agriculture, financial, healthcare, material goods, transportation, entertainment) for an area the size of most states east of the Mississippi.