You can begin by weighting factors of each property condition to a whole rather than individually.

I work at an investment advisory firm in Denver and we help clients invest in Kansas City, MO and Grand Rapids, MI. 

The one I am closest on is a 4 unit in a rapidly growing town with under market rents in prime location.

I understand Grand Rapids is growing in a more faster pace but the cash flow seems to be hard to obtain (still I am not ruling out that option just yet either). 

So you'll have to weight the risk vs rate that you can get.

Brian G.This is why the W-2 income is so important when just getting started -With most rental property price points -  and since you have good credit, money in the bank, and no debt - you could qualify for a mortgage with a decent part time job at Lowe's or Home Depot -- W-2 income will carry a ton of the weight you are struggling so hard to lift and make financing the property pretty painless...  

If you don’t have a strong enough why, you’ll lose sight and get distracted and have unrealistic expectations of what real estate is suppose to do for you and you’ll get bitter and move on to another life preserver with lead weights in it.Having your license is great!

I have narrowed down my choices to texas A&M, Purdue, or Ferris state (big rapids, Michigan). 

There are a few in Grand Rapids if you wanted to make the dive up.

But honestly, I dont really put too much weight on that decision.