Regarding one of the replies to this post- I agree, Kalamazoo is a great place to invest... but I'd make sure you have someone with boots on the ground here OR come visit yourself before purchasing.

I have an opportunity to start buying properties there with some local boots on the ground to do the rehabs I Just wanted anyone's take on this area.

They will be your boots on the ground. 

The key is having boots on the ground that your trust.

Regardless of what market you choose I strongly believe that you need some boots on the ground wherever you go that you can trust.

I would love to purchase more in the area since my mom lives there, but I'm having trouble finding deals without boots on the ground. 

And if Dec 1st comes and it was agreed that there would be no renewal and he's still there, just give him the boot and that's it be done with it, keep his deposit and find someone else.

So much so, that I am heading out there this weekend to get a "boots on the ground" look.

And if investing outside of your own backyard, make sure you understand the long term potential of that market in terms of migration, employment and infrastructure growth and have experienced and qualified boots on the ground to help, including an investor FOCUSED real estate licensee.Last but not least, keep in mind the Colorado Springs real estate market ranks 15th out of 50 top U.S. markets. :)All the best!

I'm in Chandler which is East Valley, let me know if you need boots on the ground, happy to help