Down the road if or when you decide to sell, I believe a nice single family home will draw more interest than a duplex, tri, or quad.  

Haven't decided yet if income replacement is a goal, but having the option would sure be nice!

@John Humphries I wish I could tell you about some nice, fancy, financial instrument but it's just in a savings account.  

The other draw is Cabela's, which has led to a boom in shopping areas.I also began looking in the Belleville area of Illinois, where my husband and I used to live: some really nice small towns there that are close to Saint Louis, MO.

Not sure on the areas you mentioned but there's certainly some development going on so I would imagine it will follow if it isn't already.

Just hold the lot for X amount pay the 1-2k taxes on it and then sell it later and let someone develop it lol.

Be sure to have one installed and have it wired to the light switch, ideally with a delay so it keeps running for a few minutes after your tennat took a nice hot shower.Also, make sure you educate your tenant about mold and why it's growing.

Nice residential neighborhood.  

I am developer/rehabber so I try to look for something I can add to or fully gut and put everything brand new.

There is TONS of helpful and well-educated people on BP, including myself, though my expertise lies in developing and rehabber, I am knowledgeable on many things in REI so don't be afraid to connect with me and ask away.