I use a more specific method of approach to rental properties that I find is effective across the board, regardless of region.You always target the following things:A profit point vs price to purchase Areas of historical high population.A price range of 50k-200k.For me for example, I wont accept a property with a profit margin of less than 20% at the end of the day, all things said and done, its simply not worth my time.Also, I target a specific profit margin of x per $100 I spend on a property.

I like to think of it as a more flexible and more profitable version of an IRA.My recommendation is that you consider looking into multi-family properties in particular areas of Boston/Brookline such as neighborhoods near major colleges (Northeastern, MCPHS, Boston University, etc..) as the vacancy rates there are ridiculously low (0% if your unit is priced right).

Again, trust me I probably wouldn't move to any of the places I listed if it was up to me, I'd stay here or live back home near New York.That being said, folks on here move all the time to a more investor-friendly area.

In the near future, I hope to gain a solid understanding of wholesaling to potentially grow capital exponentially to achieve my long term goals of a more passive income. 

As long as my fees are disclosed, (difficult not to do in our state, but a moral and ethical imperative in any case), our clients can make an informed decision as to whether or not they want to do business with us or another PM down the street.

To find out what works locally find a more successful wholesaler than you and take him/her out to lunch.

This also allows me to possibly provide a more appropriate person to work with.  

I'm reading the books, listening to the podcasts, scouring the forums and I am or was getting excited about starting a career in real estate.

So I bought the house next door, did a more normal rehab (full cosmetic) and it sat for almost a year. 

Fractured condo buyers , my guess would be , are a more limited pool than someone that can take whole ownership.