I am lucky that my brother is stationed at FT Gordon so will be able to go to look at properties and give honest trust worthy information regarding the surrounding area. 

I am active duty military and was stationed in IL for a time.  

If, however, you want a proper, full time short term rental investment, lakes in Texas are going to be tough.If you insist on being within driving distance, I'd recommend a hybrid short term and mid term property in a secondary Texas market (San Marcos, New Braunfels, Waco, Bryan/College Station, Lubbock, etc.).

Once Willie Boys Saloon is back up and running under proper ownership, you’ll see this town’s activity change and there are already several local business owners setting up shop in preparation for this; Black Luck and Central Station are examples.

Tyler,I've got a more optimistic view of Camden than the HomeVestors writer who once had a bad experience at a public transit stop there (I get harrassed for change every time I'm at Penn Station, hence NYC must be a dump).Here are some actual facts and figures: https://rurcbog.com/wp-content/uploads/RURCBOG-Report-FINAL_2019-01-15-09.pdfGraduation rate is up 20% in 6 yearsCrime is at its lowest level in 50 yearsUnemployment is at its lowest rate in 28 yearsCamden still has a long way to go but it is certainly heading in the right direction.

My wife kept telling the police she wanted to use the restroom and the police kept insisting she get into a police car and go with them to the police station to file a report.

I am an NCO in the Army and will be getting stationed in Hawai'i come Sept2017.

I'm in fort Leonard wood and I'm going to start building around the bases I get station at for my buy and hold reasons.

Very simple place to find great contractors.Go to local fire station and ask.Most of the guys are licensed in a particular trade or go to local lowes or HD and meet and greet.

I'm currently stationed overseas in Japan and enjoying the overseas life.