Get familiar with price points in your market and what looks like a good deal. 

I.E. you know the area better than others.Is there a short-term rental market where you vacation at, where you went to college or where you grew up in?

Quote from @Francisco Milan: These really do not do much these days for people finding most of the listing online; however, you need to be sure that you put one out because any lead is a lead to put in your database to market to. 

Or you could decide that you're going to hang in there for family/legacy reasons, and keep raising the rent whenever the market supports... and whenever you turn over a set of tenants.

Mine have appreciated off of the charts in the Charlotte metro market.

I plan to manage the properties myself until it conflicts with my regular job.I would appreciate any advice on these markets to ensure success and connect with local investors.    

How valuable is this location in that market? 

Woah 13.85% even on an investment property is super high...I got a heloc at a 7.25% (this is variable with the market as with any HELOC) for an investment property.Talk to your local credit union.

Our focus is on mid market 50-100 unit's but happy to help.

I would always lean towards markets that are landlord-friendly.