I'd steer clear of this type of area until you're more experienced unless you have some other particular advantage that would help you overcome the additional risk.Some of the inner ring suburbs (including Lakewood) are popular on both the east and west side areas, though you'll have increased regulation from the suburban municipality government and increased property tax burdens to deal with.Since you're local, I'd deploy capital in an area you are (or get to be) familiar with first hand, and use that list I provided as a starting point for areas to familiarize yourself with.

You want to be careful that you don't do any "steering". 

So I've been running into a lot of houses lately that have bowing foundation walls or other foundation problems (in my case it has mainly been from frost heave and poor grading on the exterior of the house) and have been advised to steer clear from them.

Can anyone steer me in a good direction?

Hello, it is unethical and illegal for an agent to steer a client away from a property just because the commission is not what he or she wants.

Looking forward to seeing others where you're steering the ship.

I work with a "network" (my own contacts gained through everyday business) of note invedstors whobuy notes in every state who willeagerly accept referrals from new brokers/referral agents and i can help steer anybody who's interested in the right direction.Just give me a holler.

I can see myself representing other investors on a limited basis, but I want to steer clear of a place that is going to expect me to be on call, attend sales meetings, etc.

I agree with a lot of information that was stated here -Location, cost of living, personal situation (family or individual) - all play a role into which way people will steer when looking at potential rentals. 

We use a technique from a lady on an older BP podcast that was super diligent in her screening process and we follow that like the Bible and it has not steered us wrong!