Best House-Hacking Neighborhoods for New Investor?

[Jonathan McKenna]

Just graduated college this past May and I've got a W2 putting me through a sales training program. When I complete it this coming February I might get to relocate; wherever that would be is where I want to start the investing journey. Knox is on the list for prospective cities. 

I'd prefer to do a traditional house hack w/ small multifam under $300k. A safe neighborhood would be nice. For my job, I'd be driving around a decent amount every day, but since I don't know for sure if I'd end up in Knox I couldn't even say what my territory would be. Also makes it hard to determine what my income would be.  

Any suggestions for city neighborhoods to look at for a first property would be appreciated. If there are any neighborhoods that are in the surrounding metro area that you think a newbie should be looking at, I'm all ears. Thanks!