@Chris Munichiello quite often gentrification takes place in cities where there's a shortage of prime housing.As many others have mentioned the signs of gentrification I won't repeat but you can look at certain cities across the US that have seen gentrification over the last 20 years to have a better understanding of what your looking at.San Francisco - 1993 and 2003Culver City, CA (part of Los Angeles) - 2010Inglewood, CA - 2017 to PresentPortland - 2003Seattle - 2001Nashville - 2004-2009It's exciting to be part of the gentrification process as you truly do see the trendy coffee shops, the Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, big branded hotels, and trendy housing options being added and developed.I'm experiencing the gentrification process in Inglewood, CA right now and it's great!

You'll have no shortage of replies.

I have a portfolio of homes in Glastonbury and Litchfield County and am currently focusing on growing the litchfield portion due to the demand and shortage out this way. 

@Tony Marcelle I can't say where Lima lends personally as I haven't used them, but there's no shortage of lenders around that lend to most states.

But there has been no shortage of renters in Hagerstown. 

Second, the shortage of inventory makes finding potential properties very tough (though maybe I'm not looking for the right type of properties).

OR look further out - outskirts of tacoma, and in more rural towns - if you can find someplace that has a viable economy or proximity to larger metro area many such towns also have a shortage of good housing.

There is a shortage of quality small multi-family properties too.

You have an amazing profession as a nurse practitioner and with the growing shortage of primary care doctors in the country, you stand at the precipice of an incredible career with many opportunities beyond what you might be imagining now.

However, if there is a labor shortage maybe their quote is not too high.