You could go one better, find a run down neighborhood within a mile or two of of a business hub and buy the whole neighborhood.  

Being a newbie too, I've discovered in short order that this is definitely a hub of info and connections to help us get started.

Over our years in service (I did ten and hubs is at 23) we have purchased 19 properties on our own and 10 with a partner. 

Then I looked at proximity to NYC and other surrounding HUBS that people work in.

Also, have you attended any of the HUB City REIA meetings?

It has a lot of restaurants and retail because we are sort of the hub for all of the small rural counties in NW Georgia.

Little Rock is similar to other 2nd and 3rd tier cities in the South and Southeast— larger metropolitan for region, stable economy with some growth, convention space, regional airport / air hub.

I own a home in Colorado but as I'm working remotely, I want to invest where it's a lower point of entry so I can acquire properties more quickly, saving and investing and moving, mostly single family homes in B areas near STEM hubs.

In terms of employment hubs, ensure that the current major employers are there to stay - for instance - hospital or manufacturing facility.

Thanks to everyone that makes this an awesome hub.