I like Davenport because it's very affordable, has a growing population, a highly diverse economy, business friendly climate and IA is a landlord friendly state.

Columbus has a diverse rental market when it comes to investing.

The most important factors to consider are:* Population growth* Job growth* Modern/diverse economies*Capital investment*Business friendly climate* Landlord friendly statutes

Second, not all markets are equal, and just because there is a military base does not mean the community has a diverse economic system.

(Yes, a share of stock yields more - but I'd like diversity and some bricks.

I leased up a software professional from Lake Murray (affluent) to City Heights (blue-collar) area - people are going where the rents are lower and we're seeing more socio-economic diversity in the lower-priced/blue-collar area.

You can put it into index funds/ETFs for high diversity with modest returns, or you can learn to value business and pick stocks for greater returns, if you manage to master that skill.

But it's great to diversity.

If you are an active investor (actually bought or sold in last year 9 months) in the Atlanta area please share your experiences to the statics below:Economy• Atlanta’s diverse economy is expected to help Georgia realize a 4.0% GDP growth rate, outperforming the U.S. national growth forecast of 3.5%.• Despite the slowing economy due to the pandemic, the Georgia Department of Economic Development generated $632 million in company relocations and expansions in 2020, which bodes well for future activity.• Atlanta’s higher-wage jobs — $60,000 per year or more — increased since the by 3.0% in 2020, a positive trend as 2021 begins.Multifamily• Despite uncertainty in 2020, Atlanta’s multifamily sector has remained strong, with overall vacancy just north of 5.0%.

Although you won't be as "hands on" as if you had your own duplex, sometimes investors find this option to be preferrable since they can invest with very little money and have equity in a diverse portfolio in which an experieneced investor manages.