HI, I'd like to attend a Networking group or meeting within the Des Moines metro or anywhere within roughly 30 mins of Des Moines.

Chris Parrish Hey Chris, I am also new to all this and in the Portland metro area.

When I was referencing Va Beach I was referring to the metro area in general and not necessarily within the city limits of Va Beach.

I'm 24 years old and currently living in Moore, Oklahoma and have been in the OKC metro area for the last 4 years now.

But more importantly, it has so many reasonably priced properties vs the Iowa City 'metro'.  

As far as 1) abouve there are definitely markets, that could meet your goals - Indianapolis, Kansas City are two major metro areas that would work for this kind of cash flow at those prices, but they are certainly not the only ones.  

NW Metro Atlanta REI"  is GREAT  and also unpaid... and "Have's & Wants" that meets up just about every Thursday.Those are the solid ones I've found on Meetup.comHope that helps!

I'm new to the Rei world, have been reading a lot and educating myself. In the early stages of securing financing and making contacts. Glad to be here!

Small lots away from metros in range of $500-$1000.

@Catherine Barnes  no question rural oregon just like rural WA has very high unemployment.. but the PDX metro area which includes vancouver WA.. job market is robust. anyone who wants to work can work.. anyone not working is not working by choice.there are signs all over the place and banners in front of retail stores looking for workers..