., but wonder if there is a way to pull stats to help identify fringes that aren't already hot but will be down the road. 

I do not like the rural areas with growth on the fringes.

And it is entirely possible that learning real estate will mean that you realize you don't need to hang out on the fringes of the industry.One very simple rule.  

"Their taxes go up, a lot of the small businesses work on the fringe.

Are the properties located on the "fringe" of an up and coming area?

I plan to target the fringe markets surrounding Nashville proper. 

All rents are flowing through this C Corp.Through the C corp I can then get fringe benefit (like medical reimbursement).

Now, with much due respect, I ask of all you seasoned pros and property geniuses out there: if you were me, a smalltime landlord with two successful NYC rentals under your belt, and now you had your first respectable chunk of equity to put to work, and you wanted portfolio growth paired with incremental income growth, and your tolerance for risk was somewhere in the middle of the spectrum (not on the aggressive fringe), and you found yourself feeling shut out of the overpriced market where you live, what would you do next?

Some of those cities have a nice mix and the rental side can feed off the flip side due to area rejuvenation and the benefits that come with being on the fringe of those areas. 

I’d say this is probably a fringe deal.