1031 deadline approaching - Huntsville / Birmingham - Help please

[Robert Duffer]

This is my first time expanding my portfolio - doing a 1031 exchange. Was focusing on Huntsville and Birmingham area- (I have a few properties already identified and on hold - paperwork not submitted yet). 

Truth be told - as deadline approaches (Oct 24th)...I started getting second thoughts about the area - I haven't spent too much time there and began searching "everywhere". I have family and friends in the area an am relocating east (Prob NC) in about 6 months to be closer so this is an OOS investment - mostly - for now. -But my original property was OOS for over a decade, so I've experienced the ups and downs.

Any thoughts or opinions about investing in Huntsville or Birmingham?

Thanks in advance,

Rob