For me, winter is a slower season too.

As a comp, a piece further down the street that was sold last year which is about 10,000 sqft bigger, and has since been developed into a two story medical office space, was sold for $320,000.

Nick Stageberg I think there's a difference between "downturn" and "slower growth".

Or specialty like medical office, trailer parks, etc..If you don't get the analyst job, immediately go into something different.  

When the kids had health problems (my brother broke his arm, my sister had a severe allergic reaction), he failed to pay the ensuing medical bills. 

I am applying to Osteopathic Medical Schools with the intention of becoming a doctor and investing in real estate part-time for retirement.

Around Atlanta they're coming to my city, Macon, Columbus, savannah.I think it's a good approach but be careful to use the same criteria as selecting a major metro. you want good population and job growth. military, medical and colleges are all good things to look for. also, path of progress, look for which way the city is growing.I'd stay away from small towns without much employment base, off the beaten path just because they're a couple hours drive to a hot market. 

For example, if their credit score isn't stellar due to a bk, student loans or medical debt, they should be making 4 times income to rent and have the previous landlord singing their praises as a great tenant.Screen carefully.

Did you have to move to a job or medical reason?

@Boris Grin Agreed, but by myself I can probably start small, scale slower and only do a few deals BUT, partnering with an experienced investor or two, together we can do tons of deals, scale up a lot quicker and ultimately all receive larger returns with the quicker and higher quantity of deals getting done.