Baltimore is the highest in the region at what we consider an insane 2.25%.

@Curtis H. ah, sorry, I'm in a power of sale region so the bank wouldn't gain a damn thing by forcing sale. 

Price growth in JC Heights has been indeed scary reaching to nearly 100% for the last 6 years according to Zillow data (although the latter seems to have a significant upward bias compared to Case-Shiller price index in regions covered by both). 

If you choose to invest in these regions expect to bring your properties fully up to code if they are not already.

I'll also add that if someone is looking to take a more passive role in real estate and wants the benefits of diversification there are funds available to accredited investors that are designed to allow investors the opportunity for ownership of institutional investment grade property that is occupied by regional, national, and Fortune 500 credited companies.

Katherine Wentz A small portfolio lender is going to be a local/regional bank or credit union in your area.

I am proficient in data mining and business intelligence, and could make great use of those skills if I have a solid data source (demographic, economic, regional/location sales history, etc).I am eager to start my real estate investing journey, and start sharing knowledge with y'all!

A few things I've picked up on is that the NOVA region is not a good market to find deals in.  

You could also network with other investors who are buying in the regions you are looking.

I did the duplex house hack years ago in Toronto when I first moved to Canada.