Investing out of state in the KCMO area sounds like a smart move; it’s such an interesting market with plenty of potential.

I know a young lady that just did that in my market, so she was licensed just days after her birthday.What are you planning to do with the license?

There are a lot of affordable properties in Knoxville, but the growth isn't terribly vibrant and the deman isn't what you'd expect for a city of that size and that close to the Smokies - you're mostly looking at college rentals for the meat of the move season, and the SF market, while it exists, doesn't really compare to Chattanooga. 

Our portfolio currently cash flows, but cash flow isn’t our top priority right now since we plan to use this portfolio to supplement our retirement in 12 years when I leave the Army.My biggest challenge is committing to an out-of-state market.

Are there any particular markets or investment strategies you’re leaning toward?

Only thing I'd add is consider off-market as well.

Many months of costly vacancy, local market rent & resale deteriation, special assessments, property taxes and maintanance fees suggest a quick sale would have been the wise thing to do 2 years ago.

Or do I look into a market like Las Cruces, NM, or Lubbock, TX, as an example of bigger markets I have looked at and am somewhat familiar with?

In our market (New Orleans) cemetery tours are very popular. 

After sending out thousands and not getting responses, or at least not good ones, I stopped trying this marketing method.