Yes, it's gotten better, but mainly because the surrounding areas that have done a good job of trying to accomodate the massive growth in the region have gotten so expensive.

I was initially looking in Columbus area but the more I read and talk to folks the more I am leaning toward Cleveland and surrounding areas.

What city in Indiana, I'm interested in Indianapolis and surrounding cities.

Call all local property management companies, ask other landlords, look up the reviews for the surrounding buildings online.

Hi my name is Jen I’m a newbie to real estate investing I’m struggling with getting myself out there and feel intimidated. I’d love to be part of meet ups and network I was wondering if anyone had some ideas for me.
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Here's what I'm working with...The property is a late 70's 1800 sq ft brick single family that sits on 1.75 acres surrounded by newly developed 1600 - 2200 sq ft homes which are zoned 4 homes per acre in what I consider a B+ neighborhood.  

I'm excited to surround myself with like-minded investors in the area who are also working to pursue financial freedom/ increase income via investing in assets. 

but the speculators of the day especially in the high desert out of LA always sold it that it would be the Next LA  well they been saying that for 100 years.. although Palmdale Lancaster has grown to be 50k populations maybe more and people drive into LA to work.. and Edwards airbase is there and it ebbs and flows with govmit jobs.. but most of the other areas are all what we call recreational lands  surrounded by nothing and or border vast tracts of BLM  and State lands and federal lands  be them state parks or federal parks.. just google it.. you will see.one needs to understand in your area lands were divided and lived on starting in the 1600s or earlier in some cases and well established in the 1700 and 1800s  these areas in those areas were still lands of Mexico in some instances and or Spanish land grants.

My husband (and family) and I are looking for a an area to live and work in. Work = flipping and wholesaling, possibly rentals again. We have been RE investors for over 20 years so we do have quite a bit of experience...

I am curious . in older mid west towns the condos are downtown walk to work and all the good resturants.. much of the D and F class is also urban core and will surround the down town areas or be pockets.. so yes you can have downtown hip and 1 mile away the HOOD.. just look at any Morris invest stuff he sold in INdy..