I have been mostly in data analysis mode, checking into areas and studying population data, sales data, expected growth data and what companies are coming to the area.

Here is a list of markets to consider - it's actually not that extensive of a list once you filter for both affordable and growing and you're looking in MSAs with 1M+ population. 

But I’m in Texas and our population is growing 1,000 people a day.

I have been looking at places around me because I thought it would be the best way to learn, but I'm in Maine and it isnt a super populated place and all the multifamilies are extremely old.Am I going about this the wrong way?

Johannesburg has a land area of 1645km^2 and a population of ~6 million.

@Bob StevensIf I understand you, you got this at $1.2mm.Euclid, Ohio has 47,000 population. 

Columbus is the only Ohio market that has seen rapid growth in jobs and population.

.· Population of Atlanta grew by 1.14% last year and by 18.7% over the past 10 years, according to the most recent census.· Atlanta is the most populous city in Georgia and the 8th-largest metropolitan area in the country.· DeKalb, Gwinnett, Fulton, and Cobb are among the most populated counties in Metropolitan Atlanta.· Over the next 30 years Metro Atlanta is projected to grow by 2.9 million people and reach a total population of over 8.6 million, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission.· Per capita income in Atlanta is $36,867 and median household income is $71,193.

My City has a population of 10,000 and has only grown by 1,000 in the last decade.

Good growth on incomes and population - so if you don't mind the class now could work!