The term is still prevalent and often misused in my opinion.

I'm saying this carefully because obviously deals can be found anywhere, they just don't seem prevalent compared to places like Kansas City MO, Harrisburg PA, etc... additionally, finding properties that will rent using the 1% rule don't to be very common either.However, you did mention something that is also the root of my concerns doing this remotely and that many of these are higher in crime and likely have less reliable tenants. 

In the past five years, electronic payment (Interac e-Transfers or PADs) has become the most prevalent method of payment for rent among our tenants.Method of payment (42 tenants):Cash       Cheque        Electronic4              5                   33

I'm seeing 1.2% with some borderline "B-" areas(that I'd prefer not to be in) and investors are snatching these up with the "buy now or be priced out forever" fervor that was prevalent prior to the last crash. 

If Chicago is anything like NYC, the laws lean more on the tenants' side in order to combat the growing homelessness prevalent in big cities.

Compile data, reports and testimony on the prevalence of short-term rentals in Arizona and individual communities;2.

I have listened to countless podcasts and read many posts and the subject of cash out refi to obtain capital to reinvest is prevalent.

Crime isn't really prevalent in most of the suburban areas, but you want to be careful that you don't creep into the bad zones such as what Ann mentioned. 

@Jesse Smith If you're looking to invest in South City there are a lot of opportunities for SFH and multis, but the bread and butter investment I see and suggest to most of my clients are 4-family buildings since they're so prevalent throughout the city and offer a more resilient income stream compared to SFH.

They are prevalent in the south and being wooded (not cleared) could actually be an advantage.