Hello Gagan, Some important tools and resources I incorporate into my business to help finding deals is to network with local investors.

The plan was to buy a warehouse, lay down turf and hard courts and lease the space to local schools and leagues and host tournaments.

OP ask your larger local commercial real estate office for some recommendations. 

If @Drew Sygit doesn't have a local person for you, I have CFO clients in KC, MO that have used this firm: https://propertyvaluationservices.net/services/protest-taxes...

Since then I've bought two apartment complexes and will be building additional units on them using knowledge  and processes learned for Jerome and his colleagues.

I agree with many of @Alan Asriants' points, especially when considering OOS Sec. 8 investing.A lower price point or smaller investment doesn't always mean low risk.House-hacking locally could be a better transition depending on your goals and situation.

Any investors or locals care to share some insight on Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, and surrounding cities? 

If you’re comfortable with the process and local regulations, new construction might yield higher equity, but for simplicity, an existing duplex is safer.

Got to local REIA meetings or use Facebook.  

Quote from @Sean Pedeflous: I own a duplex in Fayetteville Arkansas and the city is buying part of my backyard to add a trail which connects to a great local park.