Also, you could also hang out at some local ice rinks where people take their kids to hockey practice!

That would be my recommendation for next steps. 

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

When I had my own real estate practice, I advised landlords on tenant issues, negotiated cash for keys, and filed evictions. 

Given my lack of experience in accurately assessing the additional costs and potential risks of investing in an AE zone, I felt it was best to step back and refine my evaluation process before taking on something like this.Thanks again for your input!

Quote from @Keith Angell: Hello everyone,I’m looking for some advice as I plan the next steps in my real estate investments.

Expanding to a 2nd or 3rd property is a big step.

They will want to pass on the stepped up basis to their descendants and you want them not to. 

. - The smaller the job, the easier to understand using the material & labor steps above.- Larger jobs may require requests for more detail, so the above steps can be applied.Be sure to check your management contract for what you agreed to.

The best market is likely a "Good" cash flow market that you have some ties to, in some way shape or form, or one that is a reasonable drive from where you live, if practical/possible.