A while back they put the device that counts cars go down the street and I noticed some weird spray paint lines on my side walk and the intersection.

Countertops, flooring, peeling wallpaper, paint, changing light fixtures, etc.

., That's a pretty healthy pile of evidence that your intent when you purchased it was to hold for productive use and that circumstances not of your choosing are causing you to sell when your preference would be to hold. 

You're definitely walking a fine line when choosing to do it.

I am wondering if anyone currently in the market would have some insight on the most common zip codes or specific areas where others invest, and why they choose those areas?

Most applications have some kind of issue if you choose to look real hard.

It may need 10k of flooring, paint, new kitchen plus you will be down for 3-6 months getting it ready so account for all that lost rent.Is it worth it and do you have the capital at this time to do that rehab.

If you choose to allow someone to transfer their option that is your choice.

Those who are CPA's choose to specialize in many different fields(audit, tax, advisory etc).

If you're investing out of state, you have a lot of options to choose from since you're not limited by geography.