But with so much uncertainty right now, knowing your market is your best advantage, so you can pick the right properties to carry you through to the other side. 

You'd spend your life picking up checks. 

I'd pick Louisiana out of those two.... a) better weather, b) more favorable to landlords...

Either there was no violation found or there was no HUD investigation, pick one.

The pick the tenants and own the upgrades required for access.

It's best to pick your people, screen them right, set expectations, and follow through on them.

It's best to pick your own people, screen them yourself, set expectations, and follow through on your promises.

Would love to meet up and introduce myself and pick your brain a little.

You will need to get a local, rockstar Realtor, contractor, lender, and property manager. https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team As for picking a specific market, I would choose one that has job and population growth with a high median income, and Columbus, Ohio is a great choice.

@Brittany C Spragins - another vote here for starting with a real estate agent (or interviewing several before picking one).