They have somewhat different fee structures, so you'll have a couple of diverse setups to consider. 

Roanoke is a vibrant city with a strong economy and a diverse range of investment opportunities.

Like you said, proximity is a huge boost, but it looks like that only matters in light of gentrification and more racial diversity.

Milwaukee is so diverse and each area can offer different types of investment strategies.

Having said this, certain markets with diverse economies will hold up.

Anybody who says otherwise is, themselves, silly ;) People have made (and lost) big money on every single real estate strategy you've heard about.At a high level, when assessing markets we look for: Population growth, job growth, diverse industries, rent growth, stable or increasing rental occupancy, and amenable landlord-tenant laws.

You want to be in markets that are growing in population, growing in jobs, and where there is diversity in employment.

But the the economy is solid and diverse, emigration rates are high and are projected to remain so, and it is a very landlord-friendly state.Happy hunting!  

Is the local economy good and diverse?  

If the trench is for catchment only, and not diversion of water, it will need to be massive, and may look more like a pond when full... but if you plant it right (native wetland plants) you should be able to handle huge amounts of water.