If it’s the latter, then you’re going to need to devote an immense amount of time and energy to becoming a full time agent.

The macroeconomics for Columbus Ohio are on fire especially with population growth, job growth, and companies moving/developing here so there's amazing appreciation as well.

There are a lot of affordable properties in Knoxville, but the growth isn't terribly vibrant and the deman isn't what you'd expect for a city of that size and that close to the Smokies - you're mostly looking at college rentals for the meat of the move season, and the SF market, while it exists, doesn't really compare to Chattanooga. 

It's real estate in markets with population growth, it's pretty hard to lose money if you get an inspection and appraisal.

There is more growth happening outside of the city, the suburbs.

You basically have high growth and low cash flow Columbus OR decent growth and solid cash flow of Cleveland, Dayton, and Cincinnati. 

Cosmo - I personally don't know Phoenix well, but if I had to do this in another city I would look at income levels, crime levels, and population growth (if you can) by zip code and/or area within a DMA as a starting point.

The demand for quality housing continues to grow as we are seeing a surge in population growth and its projected to continue.

This year’s most popular areas are known for being fast-growing cities with plenty of new development, with healthy job growth in Florida and Texas in particular.

That means they are affordable for owners and investors alike and may have some appeal for growth.