I'm a beginning investor starting out with specific sub-markets in the near western suburbs of Chicago.

Just a few blocks down from me are SFH starting in the low 600s and have 4 of them already built, while the house next to mine sat empty for 11 months with an asking price of 400K, go north on RT 32 and you will see more developments being built, similar with RT 2.There are not many multi-units for sale in Annapolis, more towards Baltimore (up route 2) and on the eastern shore. a few of my other sailors rent basement apartments and the property manger I know says that's pretty common in the area, so that might be one way to have a "multi-family"I think the military pool is pretty large around here, with Ft Meade, Andrews, USNA and its support and Walter Reed and Navy yard, I personally know people who drive to all of those bases and live in Annapolis or a few miles from.

I have found ample properties in Battle Creek, Jackson and Kalamazoo that fit that formula.I can't tell you what Detroit is like but much of western Michigan is very desireable for raising a family.

Matthew,  I've recently returned to Maine after 15 years in North Carolina.  

I am looking to network with wholesalers in North DFW.

I'm also looking at MF in the area and it seems like NE, St.Paul, and the north suburbs have lower prices that might cash flow, but definitely older homes.

My market around me seems tough, I am just north of Philadelphia.

I tend to buy Single Families North of the river, and multi families in East Independence.

I'm looking for renters, tenants in the North Brunswick, New Brunswick, Milltown NJ areas.

Keep on drinkin' the koolaid ...If you want passive REI, and don't have any knowledge or experience in the field nor the desire to acquire these (which would not be passive) then go buy a REIT.