Pros: Diverse job market, low unemployment, great resilience during recessions, nice appreciation, 1% rule can be hit if you look hard enough, great economy, good schools, Midwest nice.Cons: Extreme weather at times (hot/humid summers, tornadoes/hail, brutal cold in Jan/Feb), high insurance premiums, property taxes also really high.

In my area, MAREIA just introduced a Find HOT Off-Market Deals.  

The location really caught our eye—close to Uptown Charlotte, which is always a hot area.

While this is regular due diligence, mistakes can be made when the market is hot and you have to move fast.

Decatur isnt exactly a hot spot.

The current rental market in the city in Northern Ontario, Canada is pretty hot and houses for rent are taken pretty quickly.

From a guest perspective I second everything you said, and would add a hot tub. 

Real- Estate  is a lot tougher game now because of technology now allowing buyers, sellers to access the market using the internet without using agents but  you do have hot areas that can support  more bodies .

This includes, water, hot water, heat, air conditioning, cable, security system, snow removal, lawn care.

In 2016 the pittsburgh market is getting too darn expensive in the hot areas (especially east end).