You want to focus on areas where you have a competitive advantage (you have lived there or you have family and friends there) and then compare those areas against widespread list of great areas to invest.Good luck!

Although as @Drew Sygit asks, what have those PMs that pledged to do it better now learned that may bring them back into line with main stream service providers? 

What adds complexity to our plan, is that we live in Minnesota.

I buy and hold and do short term rentals and mid term rentals.Located in Racine Wisconsin  Hello Gabriel: I also live in Racine County there are some great deals our way and including southern milwaukee county too!   

We found that by more or less falling on our sword and saying, "Hey, we want you guys happy... tell us what you need from us" they were more than helpful and once we had contractors they liked on board the process went perfectly smoothly.I don't live near you so can't help with your locale... but hopefully some of it helps!

Quote from @Rou Odab: Hello everyone,We bought this house, and we're living in it and renovating it.

China as a low cost producer is past- they have aged and standard of living out.  

I have 1 partner who provides up to 75% of the down payment, however, my goal has always been to live below my means, save money, and invest the saved money as a downpayment. 

I have multiple listings across different parts of Florida and I don't even live in FL.

And communications from REI is far above the industry average that I can tell you.SFR rentals are not a get rich quick or cash flow to live off of.