A lot of people love the high growth cities, and less, but still many, love the sure bet of Lubbock.Anywho, welcome to BP and real estate investing!

Check out the responses on your target question on the right category, I bet you'll find a lot of same questions or even answers to your question. :) Nonetheless, go ahead and check out the blogs and podcasts.

I have only one under my bet, and another I am working, but here is what worked for me.

What is the safest bet for me?

I bet someone like Jay with the years of experiance and hundreds if not thousand + closings he has, he may have a good idea to help you.Good luck

Do you really want to be the one who pays a few hundred thousand extra because you wanted the safer bet?

Your best bet might be to look for an overseas crowdfunding marketplace (which I am not as familiar as, as the US marketplaces).       

I bet he had the ability to buy if he wanted to.

I imagine that could be a double edged sword if one were to fudge the numbers betting on property appreciating during renovations. 

At the end it's a lesson learned and your best bet is to minimize your losses.