The jobs come from a diverse spectrum of industries.

There are clearly people on both ends of the spectrum here, few relies actually based on science, but rather what their favorite political talking head tells them (left or right wing, both full of it). 

I've found that the rents vs property cost are usually not as favorable at the higher-end of the spectrum.

I too like the multiple components of wealth growth from buy/hold real estate....but I admittedly like the 8% appreciation in Denver now.I think there are many REI on BP that are long time and hate too much equity in the property that returns small yield....but, we are a collection on the spectrum of everything from zero debt to 100% leverage.So, you like to own the "future scraper lot".

From what I've read, the housing authority can be anywhere on the spectrum from outright hostile to landlords to being a landlord's best friend with regard to dealing with bad tenants. 

There are a spectrum of gurus, it seems.Some gurus are folks who have deep expertise and can teach it to others.

In addition to meetups, Atlanta is constantly having conferences that run the spectrum of retail, SFH, multifamily, office, etc that provide great opportunities as well. 

Lot of good areas in Carrollton too.In Irving you get extremes... higher end houses and nicer apartments in the Valley Ranch area (planned development; HQ for Dallas Cowboys), and then you have the area around Beltline and 183, and south of 183 at the other end of the spectrum. 

Landlording wasnt even  in my spectrum. 

The opposite end of the spectrum is buying turnkeys, where everything is done for you so at that point you wouldn't technically ever have to go out, but I'd recommend going out at least once initially and then during any big turnovers.