Focus on getting pre-approved, analyzing deals in both cities, and networking with local investors to refine your approach.

They are really changing the shape of the city and it may become incredibly expensive to buy out there soon due to lack of housing.

Because of that low barrier to entry, plenty of investors from all over are looking at this city.

- What major cities are nearby?

Always super helpful to have another handyman in the city you invest for the minor repairs.

The history of New Haven and Hartford lead me to believe that these major cities could make a comeback in the next 10-20 years.

In a dense area, such as in-town (city, dense suburb, etc) you should be able to find sales within a half mile. 

I own about 5 rentals in the same city in lousiana.

I work with several real estate developers across the country and they all do it differently.My suggestion is to find a property type and an area/neighborhood/city/market that you are drawn to and plot your course from there.As for the amount of money you'll need, it's gonna be mostly driven off the purchase price of the property.

I'm a former general contractor and cabinet maker based in New York City.