All of the cities have growing populations, growing median incomes, and are attracting / already have attracted talent across Important industries (i.e. tech among others). 

In the short term it might look attractive to make the quick buck by "pulling a fast one", but for the long term you don't want to set your reputation in your local real estate investing community as the guy who is screwing people over by lying to them to get what you want. 

Now flip side I had a good portion that stayed for years.. but those were the minority and the others simply did not make up for it.Also I know where the attraction to Sec 8 is.. its the thought of guaranteed rent.. folks in those markets know that market renters are really tough.. so they take the lessor of two evils. 

I've grown a bit weary of traditional stock market investing (story for another day) and have found myself attracted to all of the long-term benefits of real estate, not to mention the hands-on nature.

The lot is very attractive but the home is in total disrepair. 

Real estate attracts a different culture of people / professionals all together.

Lender's typically base their final bid at an amount that will attract 3rd party bidders, if that amount is not sufficient to pay the total debt.

I do have some experience in remodeling so fixing and flipping is also attractive to me.

And, I wasn't suggesting that "being honest" required you to agree with me.Good luck finding a Lender who (also) doesn't agree with me (with attractive Interest Rate / terms)!...

Buy a single-family property (at least 3/2) in a vacation-oriented destination (think outdoor activities as the main attraction) to live in full-time.