Look for population and job growth. 

On any given week there are 50-150 contractors here doing short term jobs. 

Great job on completing the 4-point inspection for your investment home.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions and would love to hear other perspectives on this!  

I've saved up about 35k and have really good credit with a stable job.

I would like to hear your suggestions and advice!

In either case, I'd be looking at markets with a growing population (demand), a shortage of inventory (supply), and a market that has a net positive importing of jobs with wage growth.As the Fed's a poised to make some moves with interest rates later this year, the question still remains to be seen what they will do with their QE/QT policy on their balance sheet as that will affect long term 1-4 unit rates. 

Great job! 

If you want to manage it yourself, I'd suggest buying close to where you live.

They do a great job with basic questions but their knowledge, at times, can be limited.