is once you narrow down a market and most are interchangeable for sake of argument they all have their high points and low points.. just read the chamber of commerce  stuff :)google the median home price ( if that's what your looking for an SFR rental) and by as close to the median as possible it might not be the biggest return on paper but it will be far safer than say buying props that are 30 to 50% less than the median..

I have made valuable connections at the Local REI group, the chamber of commerce, Rotary, my hockey team, on bigger pockets, those I have hired to work on my projects, local material suppliers, realtors I have met by being involved in a deal with them, partners in other businesses, and many other ways.

@James Chambers You should have annual leases so I'd be surprised if there were vacancies in the summer.  

Yes there might be more competition but make sure you can dominate the competitors and stand out.Talk to local professionals like building officials, city council members, and local Chambers of Commerce to hear what is planned for the future and any laws you need to be aware of.  

He uses an asset management company to locate foreclosed properties, also you can go to your local chamber of commerce and ask them for a foreclosure housing list if they don't have it they can point you to who does. 

I’m talking about business networking, chamber of commerce, and various business organizations.

Alan Chambers A property manager will not solve the problem of a tough area only make a living handling those problems for you.

Other sources of data are your local KC business chamber.

Check out the chamber of commerce, rotary/lions clubs.

Talk to the Chamber of Commerce people to see what they know about the future.