Pros:- Many ways to invest and lots of different price points: LTR, MTR, STR (I know a couple of people doing STR but STR can be challenging) and different areas to invest- Diverse job market. 

However, finding these deals can be quite challenging if you are new to this market, as it varies street by street.

Should I really just be leaning on a local real estate agent to help me with the local markets?

Begin to network and never stop educating yourself.If you ever consider the Kansas City area, I'd be happy to discuss the current market with you.

Mortgage 15/1 arm at $3.375% with max 4% interest increase due 15 years from July 2015 (Aug 1, 2030).Current condo monthly maintenance fee : $1036 includes water, amenities (pool, tennis court, concierge, gym, sauna, community room with pool and ping pong, maintenance)Current monthly mortgage payment: $499 interest, $504 principal Monthly taxes and insurance: $459 monthly contents insurance: $38Past Assessments: $11k for building HVAC upgrades $8k for building updates and building reservescurrent market value $400k - $425kcurrent  monthly rental median: $3100-$3200monthly landlord insurance: $45I'm also trying to decide if I should rent or sell and invest elsewhere.Appreciate all insights.

If you're open to other markets, I invest locally in the midwest and I think we have some strong RE markets that are relatively affordable. 

What market's do you invest in? 

Staying in the Wilmington area makes the most sense, as we really know that market, but I also have a soft spot for the western part of NC!  

Conduct market research, get pre-approved for a mortgage, define property criteria, and use analysis tools.

After that I plan to focus more on cash-flowing markets out of state.