I don't know much about anything outside of the Twin Cities and surrounding areas but I'm sure someone from Western Minnesota will jump in!

Are there contractor that can handle 40-60 unit remodels in the surrounding Houston market?

There are/have been plans to revitalize Cumberland and the surrounding areas.

Actually, what I like about Milan and other surrounding towns, is the nice houses with backyards in quiet neighborhoods. 

I have a great realtor in the Winston-Salem area who basically handles me for Winston Salem and areas west of that, but would love to find someone to work with that is in Greensboro and also works in surrounding areas.

And the surrounding areas...

Secondly, like many I thought the Colorado market was a little too hot and certainly, in Denver and surrounding areas, it is a little too steep for traditional solo investing.  

. :) If it's not in a rat hole location, then that would be a win, but if surrounded by other rat hole homes, it seems the local rats would just want to move into the nicer home and return it back into its rat hole condition. 

I'd say it's a solid area to invest but there are still pockets of crime in surrounding neighborhoods.

:)  I know many do not like the idea of paying these "gurus" money for the information that's available for free but I found it very helpful/empowering to be there in person; surrounded by others with the same interest and most importantly I learned A LOT!