This is a great area to invest in and there are still many gems out there. 

After adding a lot of pretty to the dirty gem, I'm in a position to use it as my first investment home.

Here is a BP Blog Post I wrote about the Memphis, TN market you may find helpful though written with multifamily in mind, most of the remarks apply to single family as well: Best Multifamily Markets and Hidden Gems

I wouldn't say that spending precious life time to drive around to get lucky is a strategy I use anymore, since the competition uses faster, better and cheaper tools and will pick up that gem way before you see it.

There's a lot of hidden deals and gems around this area especially since there are several colleges and Hersheypark being such a large attraction.

After spending lots of time on various Real Estate investments websites/blogs, seems like I finally found a gem.

I asked my supervisors for old leads (2+ years) and found some gems but it does take time and a lot of telemarketing.

Absolutly NO Menards grade "updates" in this gem. 

For those who have an eye to judge the full condition of a house by looking a the exterior, you improve your odds of finding a gem. 

Highly recommend doing an analysis via the resources @Giovanni Isaksen gave you.