You can get a lot of information from just following the MLS and driving by properties.

The few deals I walked away from were based on the location (even though a BRRR would've worked) and the condition of surrounding homes in the nearest block.

All the real estate trends I have been reading about the past couple months discuss low inventory for affordable housing as one of the primary drivers that is slowing the national markets down. With that being the cas...

I drive through Navasota every once in a while.  

It's rented, but it's in a neighborhood with no off street parking surrounded by homes that are all the same, postage stamp lots so small a kid can't throw a ball and houses so close and tall the sun doesn't reach the ground.

chose Ohio because it is in driving distance from hone  and has remarkable numbers and stock to last for the next few years

A tried and true, proven model for scaling lots of passive income is to first have an active income funnel driving cash into income property. 

Also see you are from South Jersey, what are your thoughts on investing in that and surrounding areas?

The simplest way to do that and learn your market is driving for dollars.

. $1 million doesn't go very far in Toronto, but it will do a lot for you in surrounding markets.