Quote from @Paul Stewart: I've noticed a growing trend among new real estate investors in my area.

You want to focus on areas where you have a competitive advantage (you have lived there or you have family and friends there) and then compare those areas against widespread list of great areas to invest.Good luck!

the midwest has lower price points than other areas of the US, sure, but it also comes with its own challenges - for example, very old housing stock, lots of deferred maintenance, and tremendous demand for the best properties."

You may have an advantage since there is very low deal volume in your area, and may have multiple bidders.Good luckGino

@Tyler Condon I manage a few properties in the greater Phoenix, AZ area that are adult 55 plus and have great success with them.

Philly has a ton of opportunity, but since you are new to the area, I would suggest waiting six months before you buy anything there so you can really understand the block construction of the area.

If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking5.

There are a couple of car washes in my local area that are for sale that I am interested in but do not know where to start. 

I'm here in the Atlanta area if you ever have any questions.  

We are looking to building some fourplexes in the near future in the area - when you say expand your portfolio - what are you looking for ?