I’m in north NJ and was just looking online at properties in Allentown as I read that  it was a good investment area and it didn’t make sense to me.  

If everyone could sit back, find real values on line, and make offers based on those values everyone would get rich flipping properties.  

Join in some local groups or check online listings such as Zillow, Redfin, etc.If you're also in need of funds for your real estate venture don't hesitate to reach me.

Join local real estate investment clubs, attend seminars, or engage in online forums to stay updated on the latest trends and strategies.Remember, real estate investing is not a get-rich-quick scheme.

Check out other online guides available here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides3.

Given how the market is right now, I thought "better safe than sorry" and I'll give him 3% on this deal.I'll probably get that 3% back on my next purchase anyway ;)

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

Searching online, it seems all the property managers have awful reviews. 

I've been educating myself through books and podcasts on topics like sourcing off-market deals, deal and property analysis, creative financing, and title reviews.My fiancé is an architect that works with GC's and structural engineers to design homes ensuring they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and safe- which I hope will help me navigate this space as I grow my knowledge.

So with that disclaimer out of the way… Tulsa is a fairly safe bet.