We also have strong financial services (banking and insurance) employers - Key Bank and Progressive Insurance are based here to name just 2.  

If you got a job as a property manager, it will be a steady paycheck.

I am a newbie investor, but a newbie that is ready to get off the bench immediately and start making progress towards my goals.

As a rental it brings in a steady $4550.00 every month and has been doing so for years.

The work has taken 5 1/2 weeks and as it progressed it was evident that the negligence of the original contractor couldn't have been anticipated.

For example, in my market I know that:Total gut rehab with both exterior and interior work will run me on average $60/ft for a rental and $70-$75/ft for a nice retail flipTotal gut rehab with only interior work will run $40/ft for a rental and $50-$55/ft for a nice retail flipCosmetic rehab for a rental will run around $20/ft (baths, kitchens, flooring, etc)If I look at a property older than 40 years and it hasn’t been updated in decades, it’s a definite gut job (have to tear everything down to the studs)Etc etcSetting up these “rules of thumb” will massively speed up your deal evaluation process, while preventing you from making costly mistakes.Go through this exercise one time and you will make massive progress in your ability to estimate repairs and value deals!"

I've never been to that area, but if, as you say, you're in the path of progress already, why not see how it goes? 

Although that was somewhat discouraging during that period, and I felt like I wasn't making any progress, I knew what I was waiting for.  

My end game goal is 20 properties.Some Facts I have a steady job in software that i am not looking to replace or supplement.

What is really bumming me out right now - despite the consistent and great emailing of rehab progress - it that my local affiliate won't replace the roof because it has 8-10 years remaining, meaning despite me buying it and paying for total rehab, I'll still have to replace the roof in 9 years and property won't even be paid off yet.