@Jeff Hamann Couldn't agree more - everyone is usually looking for the next hot town/city when what they should be looking for is the perceived trend of a town/city as a function of the price.

Don't discount areas that arent "hot".

During the process of getting this done I want to continue, and strike while the iron is hot. 

The Jersey City area is extremely hot at the moment and will continue to see demand as development continues.

Nashville is a hot market for Rentals currently and it seems like that won't change anytime soon, and I've noticed that people are renting in Columbia and Madison quite frequently.

I am trying to learn hands on skills so that I can buy properties that may need some TLC given how hot the market is here in Raleigh.

Market could be hot one week and cold the next just from the nature of the market which could swing your values a certain amount

even suburban submarkets are red hot right now in miami like leisure city, homestead, florida city you can still get infill lots one of the last few places in miami dade county right now. rezoning and variances you can do even better. if you are limited on capital ground up construction and land might be something to consider in miami in these submarkets.

She mentioned the market for resale properties is super-hot in Madison right now, and she suggested I check out a certain planned community nearby.   

We are sandwiched between well known hot spots and its an ideal location for someone who wants to explore the beach life or any of the down-town areas nearby (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Redondo, Manhattan, Southbay Etc), new build with modern amenities, washer/dryer in unit, full sized fridge, dishwasher, professional range cooktop, queen bedroom, full standing shower, large kitchen, full sized couch in the living room, private front patio.