Just like any city, you have areas that you should and shouldn't get involved in.

If you want a deal in Concord, CA shoot me a message.

It's still on city gas and water but has its own septic that the current owner replaced already which is great.

As NYC keeps growing, neighboring cities will grow as well as support hubs.  

Right now I am currently in Virginia and would like to jump into the game now, that way when my family and I move to Chicago I have a bit of knowledge to get myself started in the big city.

Greenville NC and Wilmington NC, both small cities with decent job markets, would be your best bets. 

While finalizing my extensive rehab plan (removing walls for an open concept, expanding a shower in the master bath) my contractor mentions we need to have an architect draw up our plans in CAD and then we need to have an engineer bless the plans in order to get through the City of Houston'a permit process.

Its been three years since I moved to DC from Ireland - having lived in many cities around the world. 

It is not a good idea anyway, but especially not if you think you are going to get houses in the upper half of quality in a city.  

I use commonwealth land and title out of park cities (Dallas but they've been phenomenal in working my wholesale deals).It's definitely difficult to get started but keep your head on straight, do your own education and keep pushing 👍🏼