I have been thoroughly studying brokerages, robo-advisors etc lately to determine my best option to grow the cash I have on hand.

however being new to the REI game and LOs, any suggestions on where to potentially focus, what to avoid and why, would be immensely appreciated!

It's affordable to live here, and there is room for growth in the market in the future.

I know that  job growth as well as population growth in markets when looking to acquire 50-200 units are definitely some key measures that we need to take into account.

Is it even a good buy and hold area primed for growth?

Many of the successful agents around my town have a small area they market:  Garage sales, events, host open houses in that area, get their name out there with flyers, etc.My growth has been more organic.  

Where is the DIRECTION of GROWTH & UPWARD MOBILITY?

The flip side is that a market will produce lower cash flow per dollar invested in a low CAP rate market on day one ... however, in markets that have high rates of rent increases the cash flow would increase every year the property is owned, and the market prices in that growth to some extent with the lower CAP rate.

She goes on to say, "But if you buy for cashflow, not equity growth,then you have a MUCh better chance of SURVIVING any upcoming downturn."

In turn the surrounding areas have seen large growth.