My plan: once I have determined which potential cities meet the 1% criteria, I plan to assess statistics (population growth, job market, crime rates etc.) to help me to determine which areas are most appealing and then dig deeper.

Go down to your local county viatical statistic's department and request a copy of the death certificate.

The report, titled “Pathways for Economic Resiliency,” is full of bleak statistics that will lull you to sleep within minutes.

There are some interesting pockets in the "dells" Wendell, Knightdale, Shotwell, etc. where you can likely find something in the 200k range that will rent for $1,400-$1,500 which is going to get you to about a 0.75% rule versus something closer to 2/3% in the immediate municipalities in the metropolitan statistical area (MSA).I also want to add some caution as far as overall pricing is concerned.

Lots of other investors rent out property in these neighborhoods, so I was wondering if anyone has had any problems investing in these areas, or has any wisdom to shed on how these types of statistics affect investment decisions?

Statistically speaking, some are likely to be low quality services, some are likely to be unscrupulous types trying to steal my identity, but I'm hopeful at least a couple are legit people just trying to make money like you and me. 

Recently there has been a statistic going around on how TN, TX, OH are some of the top states where Uhauls are going.

The statistics seem to bear it out.

Also many appraisers don't use the best modern statistical techniques or tools available.

The statistics being quoted by that article are counting the "inventory" of vacant apartments up for rent vs.