It seems Safeguard is genuinely trying to clean up the Jackson, MS, mess but they are also marketing lots of other deals in other cities still.

That is going to be the best way to meet others in the industry from that market. 

I rented out the additional bedrooms to friends and family, charging them well below market, and sold when it was time for my wife and I to start our own adventures.

If you approached them in a way that you had a solution to the eyesore in their neighborhood they would be very receptive to talk and perhaps share contact details about the home owners son if they have them.

I rented out the additional bedrooms to friends and family, charging them well below market, and sold when it was time for my wife and I to start our own adventures.

Speak with a local Realtor who knows the market, but also is knowledgeable about creative financing options.Good Investing...

Take a look at what markets you are planning on starting in and make sure it is a growing market where the appreciation is obvious. 

Focus on identifying promising neighborhoods in the north or east bay by leveraging your husband’s contractor network, local real estate agents, and online deal-finding platforms.

Here’s our OPINION for the Metro Detroit market (use as a template for your target area!)

The "best market" is less about the market per se and more about the deal you're able to find in my opinion.