It depends on your taste.

I was more so looking at a buy, rehab, and rent situation, with the possibility of flipping depending on the metrics on the buy.

Know lots in that area that are dependable.

As far as where and all that, a lot of it depends on your own interests and goals.

In part it depends on what assets you have now to protect.

Depending on the location, you may also need flood insurance. 

There are note brokers who sell notes, the success rate is more dependent on you to find a good deal than it is on the "note investing company".   

@Alexander Price, it all depends on the area.

The Security Deposit may be charged for screen repairs during the term of the lease or upon move out inspection.The tenant will have 30 or 60 days depending on RI law to accept the amendment with no tenant action or give you notice of moving out. 

I think that San Antonio will be a good place to be for years depending on any changes that the government does in the future.Since you and your wife are working you might consider financing good people that have been turned down by conventional financing that are still good.