Those starting out typically focus on rentals as it's easier to break into and find clients.

I would suggest just looking at all of the listings each day in your target price range, and even favorite the ones you like and x out the ones you don't and you'll get a feel for areas and prices. 

The cost is a little higher than some but what they offer makes the your job of managing properties so much easier.

Patricks Day weekend while your target tenant was ... busy?  

The Texas market been one of the hottest markets in the County for the last 3 or so years, have you looked at the price point you can target?

California has a horrible fiscal situation and anything may become a target.

You will probably have an easier time renting in Tampa in the summer because there are more things to do.

Seems like if they're worried, it would just be easier to wait until the tear-down is torn-down and sell once the blighted house is no longer hurting their property value and take the equity somewhere else. 

Keeping an entire house at a constant temp is cheaper and easier on your equipment believe it or not. 

If you can narrow your area of interest down to a few counties or towns and then just certain size or condition properties you might find it's not a large amount if you wanted to directly target them, be it through mailers, door knocking etc.