It also didn't hurt that it was one of the hottest markets in the US ;) I'm currently looking for that next property in NW Arkansas and excited to use the tools here at Better Pockets!

I love real estate and have a good understanding of the Columbus market which as of last month was the 4th hottest market in the U.S.

I am in one of the top 5 hottest markets so finding deals that meet investors expectations is much more difficult than dealing with princesses who are quickly humbled in multiple offer situations.   

And 36 Other Key Financial Measures http://amzn.to/Zv0Zph Frank and I don’t agree on everything but this book is the bible as far as I’m concerned.Frank also has another book called '10 Commandments for Real Estate Investors' that I reread every other month or so as a reminder: http://amzn.to/15ikXL0Ken McElroy has two great books on apartment investments and one on property management: The ABCs of Real Estate Investing: The Secrets of Finding Hidden Profits Most Investors Misshttp://amzn.to/HdXVf1The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing: How to Identify the Hottest Markets and Secure the Best Dealshttp://amzn.to/1bcWx50The ABC's of Property Management: What You Need to Know to Maximize Your Money Nowhttp://amzn.to/1d518JKPeople often mention Dave Lindahl’s books but I think Ken’s are better, one reason being that Ken is out there doing it and was dragged into the guru thing by Kiyosaki while Dave is mostly a guru who was mentored by Ron LeGrand, one of the old school gurus (who I worked for back in the day).Also If you haven’t seen Ken's BP interview on Podcast 052: Buying Apartment Complexes, etc. here: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/09/bp-podcast-052-raising-millions-ken-mcelroy-rich-dad/Because running an apartment is as much of a business as it is a piece of real estate I typically recommend The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E.

I am in the greater Portland, OR market (mostly buy about 30-45 minutes south of the city) which is one of the hottest in the nation. 

As a result, the strong real estate investing marketing in Metro Tampa Bay continues to this day, with businesses growing in practically all sectors.For these reasons and more, Fortune magazine ranked Tampa as the hottest city for start-ups.

You are looking in one of the hottest multi markets around, but there are still options.

As @Ryan Kelly mentioned we are the hottest real estate market in the country.

It would be a good idea to have it tested first to be sure it is indeed "hot" (tests positive for asbestos) before proceeding and then comparing estimates accordingly, if necessary, before making a decision.

I'm buying a 3/2 in a neighborhood right next to the hottest neighborhood in town.