I'd say first step is to pick what type of investment you're looking to do (i.e BRRRR, Flip, Buy and Hold, etc.) then find a market that supports that strategy.

There are better markets if you are interested in out of state investing and fair chance of getting better returns.I would start by fine tuning your investment and success criteria, then pick and research couple of areas before you make your decisions. for example Ohio- Cleveland, Kansas City etc offer better chances of cash flow vs Tennessee-Clarksville may offer better appreciation.

Market is always moving, they can't sell you something that isn't available. 2018 Pricing won't touch 2013 pricing anywhere.Hi James,It's a bit weird here in Toledo as everyone is touting that "the market has never been better".We don't see it tho and are still picking up some great deals for great prices.Granted, we are super active will all of our acquisition efforts and I've said it before so I'll say it again.We feel like kids in a candy store lolThanks mateps.

He will just pick the best one for him.

My advice would be pick ONE strategy, read as much as you can on the topic (like flipping or house hacking), then surround yourself with people who are actively doing what you want to do successfully.

Before I decide to STR a property, I first pick the city in which I want to STR the property.

Their is a $1500 reserve that the HOA picks from when needed and I never had to replenish it as an automatic 5% of the rental income goes in per month and stops once toped off.

Also I can pick shorter term tenants if I have plans to reno a unit. 

I know the range of markets in the title is quite wide but like I said I am early on in the process and wanted to pick markets where I spend time during the offseason (I spend most of the offseason in New Jersey but spend time visitng parents and grandparents in south carolina and florida).  

When someone wants to "pick my brain", I recommend that great steak restaurant and let them know my wife / business partner will be with me and that we appreciate them offering to pick up the tab.