Is this an opportunity for mid western cities with better access?  

Redfin forecasted Las Vegas as the #1 city for 2018.  

I am likely relocating to Martin/St Lucie County soon - MIL is in Palm City and we need to get closer to her as she's starting to need more help as she ages. 

Typical city apartment living.  

I don't have any desire to own many units in different cities; I would much rather invest here in my own neighborhood.

There are quite honestly many other houses in this city that have more serious lead paint issues -- paint that is actually chipping and falling all over sidewalks, etc. -- but the government has not issues with them, because no one has reported them.I am perfectly willing to abate lead where it is a legitimate concern, but some of the stuff the report brings up is kind of outrageous, and doing everything the way the government wants will cost $22k (I got an estimate from a professional certified to do lead abatement).I know no one can tell what the exact rules are in my local area, but I'm curious if anyone has ever been in a similar boat -- had a tenant get a government agency to inspect a house for lead, or dealt generally with HUD's lead abatement requirements (which are what my local government's rules are based on).

The laws associated would fall on your tenant and yourself so I also agree with ensuring to not expose yourself to fines from the city.

My question is: How to find the best place (State, city) right now in order to find great deals ? 

We have a group that meets up in League City twice a month.

If anybody have any listings anywhere in the City of Chicago or the surrounding areas please let me know.