With $230k to play with, you could purchase 2-3 solid B/B+ properties here in Birmingham, as well as other markets in the midwest or south where prices are lower.

The areas that I have narrowed down to are pretty much anywhere in Texas, Birmingham, Al, Garfield Heights / Cleveland, Ohio, and Chicago, IL.

I'm seeking a REI-savvy CPA around the Birmingham area.

Conrad Metzenberg I live in San Jose and invest in Indianapolis and Birmingham.

But that is going up too as more investors start to show up.Of course there are parts of Detroit that you should avoid like any other city with poverty.I think the most thriving cities by Detroit are:-Ferndale-Oak Park-Royal Oak-Berkley-Birmingham-Clawson-TroyAnd around those cities you will also find plenty of C-class cities that offer good rents for the price you would pay for a home that needs a little work.

Note that I am currently working on guides for Memphis, Tennessee & Birmingham, Alabama so stay tuned for more info in the near future.

I'm in Birmingham Al.

I am guessing the list was published in the Birmingham News and it's just kind of a pain to track down (typical Birmingham :) ). 

The group I am working with in Montgomery and Birmingham is actually a fairly seasoned and knowledgeable group.

Birmingham, AL...Most of my investors  purchase $18,00-$25,000 rehab for $5,000- $15,000...B and C neighborhoods...rents from $725-$850..depending on bedrooms/ baths.