I don't think the surrounding area is anything horrible as far as crime.

Another option would be to take a look at the surrounding communities where prices may be a little cheaper.

I am also an investor in the Chicago market focusing primarily on the south side and surrounding suburbs.

I am looking at a few different options, but was hoping to receive some advice from people who are surrounded by this information.  

I would consider the surrounding Boroughs and NJ. 

Here's their last ad from craigslist:LEXINGTON LANDLORD ASSOCIATION Attention Lexington, and surrounding counties, Landlords.

surrounding areas and Des Moines 

Currently I am putting in offers on multifamily properties in the Honolulu metro area (and surrounding 10 miles or so) with the goal of living in one unit, renting out the rest and covering PITI and then some.

The city and surrounding areas are also a central location for major corporations.

There weren't too many negative emotions surrounding the purchase of publishing services other than feeling a sense of lost opportunity to have spent so much time writing a book without seeing it through to being published.