Specifically, there's job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide, etc) and the population is growing (unlike Cleveland or Cincy).

Focus on markets with strong job markets, affordability, and economic development.

Think about whether you're okay with managing properties from afar, dealing with unfamiliar places, giving up some control for more money, and if you have enough time for Houston house hacking along with your regular job and family.

I haven't decided yet, I've been looking into the Chicago and Milwaukee markets recently, I don't have too much capital yet and no steady job, so I won't be able to obtain a loan right now, so I'm just kind of researching currently.

When doing big jobs always make sure your contractor/GC has thisHappy Investing (:

that's what the professionals are for.i'd work in whatever job you can make the most money in.

The most critical part of the operation is finding good tenants.I currently self-manage my own property as an out-of-state investor in Arizona so I have some experience.

On the same note I have tried to get her to invest in other properties with me and she is terribly risk adverse and just can’t stand the thought of having her name and credit being attached to a large mortgage even though I have explained numerous times about how the bills and mortgage payments are made by the rent payments. 97% of the time she continues to be supportive of me pursuing the real estate on my own and has been supportive of me retiring from my job to pursue it full time.

I don't know what the people doing those jobs are supposed to do for a living. 

So I have never looked at it as a Job.. its a lifestyle choice.