I work for an investor who buys in Blue Springs and Independence pretty regularly and he seems to do well. 

I might be a little more conservative than most people on here, but if you listened to my podcast (in my signature) you'll know I also lost over $100k before, which can make you think about it if you come from a poor slob, blue-collar background like me. 

I currently have an SFR in LA, 3 in Atlanta, and  short term in Blue Ridge GA.

I would add, that if you are a landlord in a dark blue state - the costs to evict a bad tenant from your property have gone through the roof as well. 

Once in a blue moon I will find something but its never in a hot-hot area, just a modest deal to earn some money with at best. 

As far as the Rodanthe area, the north end of town known as Mirlo Beach is extremely prone to washout from the ocean side.

Kinda like Belushi in the Blues Brothers.

Some big mountain markets I still like for first buys are Gatlinburg, Blue Ridge, and the Western NC Mountains. 

I'm an out of state investor with a strong affinity for the Ocean State.  

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