What’s up BiggerPockets community 👋
My name is Tyler Brown and I’m a Realtor based out of St. Louis, MO. I’ve been a licensed agent for 3 years now, primarily working with buyers and sellers throughout the STL market...

Don’t underestimate how hands-on this can get without boots on the ground.Arizona isn’t a bad option, but don’t default to Phoenix just because it’s popular.

The Ocala market is one of the fastest-growing areas of Florida right now as it offers that "old-Florida" charm with its rolling hills (compared to the flatter southern parts of the state), heritage oaks, Spanish moss, and horse farms galore, while still providing easy access to beaches (on either coast) as well as to the theme parks of Orlando. 

Do you have any advice that would be useful for growing and scaling my portfolio in Calumet City?

The greater Daytona area is a very popular rental area, so many deals can be sold to larger portfolio investors or institutional investors, etc., very easily. 

However, I am still curious if there is any other popular method. 

It might not be the popular advice or what you want to hear, but it's my honest take.

Many investors end up growing faster by choosing markets with lower entry prices and stronger rent-to-cost ratios, where cash flow is more predictable and you can add multiple units instead of waiting on appreciation.

So if you’re going to invest there you should expect to be swimming against the current, so to speak.As for South Bend, the population is growing and I think things are generally trending upward.

Generally more expensive than the Midwest, but a growing/popular area, low vacancy, moderate-low taxes, and good rents in a lot of areas.