If that hipster area has rent growth and appreciation built in grab it anywhere.  

I am new to real estate investing and I am looking forward to learning form you all as well as share any knowledge that I may come across during my search and growth.

@Mike D'Arrigo I was looking into Texas mostly because of the strong economy and the projected growth.

I grew up in Gaithersburg and have since moved out to Urbana so I have seen the cities along 270 grow immensely over the years and I don't expect that trend to stop.  

If you are considering the long distance landlording thing, which I don't recommend, then pick the area by economic growth potential and then do the above.

Any leads to information or advice that I can use in my planning will be immensely appreciated.

The housing market is responsible for a large portion of growth for the US, and if lending has become harder for most Americans, then it will only lead to one outcome.

Despite being near the A train station, the immediate adjacent area is not experiencing any growth and has not in a very, very long time.

The median price for Austin-area homes was $219,530, which is 10 percent more than the same month in 2012.Cathy Coneway, 2013 President of the Austin Board of REALTORS­®, explained, “With strong activity across all segments of the market, the Austin-area housing market has been full steam ahead through the holidays and the rest of the year, Our city’s population and job growth show no signs of slowing down, so 2014 will likely be another competitive year for Austin real estate.”In November 2013, inventory remained at a historically low level of 2.3 months, which is more than half of a month less than November 2012.

Thanks Vicky,I have set a goal of being involved in over 100 real estate transactions in 2014.I also have a long term view of 50% revenue growth for every year.Thanks and have a great day.