People are seeking out places where they can get yield and cash flow.Before places like Phoenix and Atlanta used to be hot rental markets but now it seems people are buying more in places like Cleveland , Indianapolis , Kansas City , Birmingham,AL.etc The other markets are still hot even though people might not be able to cash flow well because the general economy is doing well , unemployment is half or less than it was during the recession in many of these places and people want to live in those places .

Active investor also looking into investing in New Orleans.   

Will either partner be the "boots on the gorund" i.e. managing day-to-day activities on their own time?

@Roy Gottesdiener i think you should seek a legal and financial advice to ask a about your situation and start from there.

If you're not adding significant equity, just seek out a traditional loan with no PMI from day 1.

You should seek out a local real estate agent who knows investment properties, and start looking at everything you can in your target areas.

Any suggestions on how to actively invest while being a salesperson?

Was actively listening to podcast and using the tools they have to offer regularly for the first eight months.

It's helpful to network with people that are actively involved.

You shorten the learning curve working with someone who's actively doing it.