Consider population trends, job growth, and economic stability in these areas.2.

When you look at job growth and population growth, it looks positive to me.

Crime in Little Rock is significantly lower than most cities it's the way the city is zoned it looks high based on the old city limits and population.

1 of my kids went to prospect high.

My recommendation would be different if you were a high-income earner or if you wanted steady equity growth.

Quote from @Briley Roe:  yes those fees are very high as you have a broker fee and other fees for a loan little over $100k at 6+ points. 

I know a lot of Chicago investors are here too; but if you were in my spot would you recommend Chicago as prices are too high and I have never been to the city moving next year.

For a growth market to be growing, you need a lot of job and population migration. 

After the Paradise fire Butte county lose nearly two-thirds of its population.

Sometimes they forget to tell you that many tenants in Detroit don't pay (depending on the property manager skill and the type of tenant) - but taxes are very high in the city and so is insurance.