Choosing which market to invest in is going to depend on your goals whether if you're looking for more cash-flow areas or appreciation

In one of my markets I invest in I could buy a house cash for $200,000.

It's reassuring to hear it's not a rare nightmare scenario I'm in. I

Interest only for 1 year than P&I kicks In.  I

Specifically, what research results told you these were two good cities to invest in?  I

What other places in the area do you think would be good to invest in? I

The only time I'd say it's an okay idea is if either: The area you're investing in is expecting so much appreciation that you will easily profit off that (watch out for mortgage interest though...the appreciation needs to be higher than what you pay in that and expenses to make it profitable)You have some specific reason for wanting to do it- family ties, future home, major long-term hold, etc.Maybe I'm forgetting another one, but those two are all I have for now...

While i was humbled it was not something I was personally interested in. I

You may have to search a bit for the right contractor or engineer - sometimes I see one solution dominating in an area - "that is how we always do it"  Thanks for the input - yes, it sounds like the specific area this house is in is particularly bad for foundation issues.  

Yes Pittsburgh is a good choice for Investors who either live here or are remote as the buy-in is a lot more conducive than other more saturated markets.