Starting the journey in Birmingham, AL!

[Pauline Sabado]

Hello!

I am interested in purchasing my first out of state (currently live in CA) investment property. My budget is a purchase price of $150,000. My main goal is some cash flow, and second to that is some potential for appreciation. I noticed Birmingham, AL had homes in that price range. Birmingham passed most of the "rule of thumb" criteria recommended (job growth, household income growth) but the downside is population is -18.60% since 2000, and crime is a bit on the higher side (https://www.deptofnumbers.com/employment/metros/).  I'm still willing to move forward. A few questions:

- Are these 2 items deal breakers? Thoughts on the area in general? 

- I have tried to contact a few Agents through the homes I found on Zillow, and have zero zero response. It's been about a week and a few follow ups. Is this because my budget is so low?

Thank you thank you! I have learned a lot so far from this forum so I am so grateful to be able to learn from you all.