Having watched many prior co-workers get paid, cash their check at the casino, and promptly deposit it all into a slot machine I can tell you with pretty good certainty that casinos don't have a positive effect on disposable income and good use of the existing income in the area surrounding :)Are there solid local employers OTHER than the casino in a 15-minute drive? 

Look into crime maps, and do the old fashioned thing of getting in a car and driving the market if it's not in your back yard.

He's an acquired taste but I've read many of his books and maybe I'm a fool, but I believe he is genuine in his commitment and drive for success.

And of course, will gladly drive somewhere for a couple days, park myself somewhere and work-remotely as needed. 

Stay away from Philly as their laws are as tricky as NYC's.I would strongly recommend you purchase something within an hours drive from you so you can learn on the job as a landlord. 

These factors contribute to a stable and expanding economy, which can drive demand for housing.

Given it's location not far from the ports of Richmond and Oakland, and that the Chevron oil refinery is nearby as well, some of that is likely be driving the highest and best use assessment. chris in the deep south they turn the anchor store into a big church..  

I can see a lot of buyers getting the keys then driving off and never paying.. foolish foolish to be advocating that.

Amenities also drive demand to a rental and its much easier to have something like a pool if you are in a complex.

@Annie AnsonWorking with a Property Manager:  If you hire a property manager for on-the-ground tasks like maintenance, you can still meet material participation—if you handle the majority of the work that drives the property’s success (e.g., guest services, pricing strategy, advertising).