I would advise finding an investor friendly realtor when you choose a market.

You can always invest in the A/B class areas in these "stagnant" markets where those mico areas are still rapidly growing and in demand.Overall Ohio has a lot of options to choose from such as Columbus and Dayton/Cleveland. 

Choosing landlord software is often about what kinds of features you need.

I have always worked from a reputation first approach.

HI @James TobinAs you get into the RE market, regardless of where you choose use this website as a good starting point to find out what the areas are likehttps://www.areavibes.com/Best of luck from Fort Worth 

You can't decide which one to choose based on the minimal information you provided.

What are your thoughts and which city would you choose?

If you choose not to rebuild/replace your settlement would usually be for actual cash value.It's unlikely you can get a settlement for above the coverage amount you paid for.

If I were a decent renter shopping in that neighborhood, I would choose that brick building over yours every time. 

Remember, if a deal is truly off market, you have an owner who knows they are able to sell and is choosing not to take the very simple step of listing it.