I'm an agent on the east side and I service the entire region. 

@Russell Brazil  @Brian Ploszay  I think this is highly regional one thing to remember is when things get bad and I agree don't think it was be a repeat of 08 to 2011.. but credit in many areas froze like the Antarctic..

There are also different programs available in the various regions for help with Down Payment Assistance (usually administered through a local housing agency) , First Time Homebuyers, etc. 

Hey I invest in the northern New Jersey region .

Before I start my discussion I preface this information: Coming from a Master Electrician Licensed in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont, acknowledging the fact that other states may or may not follow the same promulgated regulations; may or may not be under the same requirements; ultimately the answers you may need or want should come from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in your region.

.- I have set up contacts with various real estate agents in my region- I have joined some meet-ups and thinking about setting up my own in my city. 

Hi Josh, I recently closed on a quadplex as a househack just outside Philadelphia in Delaware county and worked with Joe Scorese from Firsttrust bank, which is a regional bank in the area.

I'm currently living in the Niagara region and am interested in the local market here.

At some point the market for larger lots will catch up in value if ADUs cashflow well in your region.

@Faisal Mohamed Like any area, unemployment and crime rates can vary drastically as "Harrisburg" isn't just a city but a region.