The best areas in to invest in SFH's from afar

[Dan Smucker]

I live in the Bay Area and never was able to jump in the market here - now it's insanely expensive. I need to invest in other areas outside of the Bay Area such as Dallas, Charlotte, maybe Tampa . . .Houston? I would like positive cashflow but more importantly I need a tax break (which most people don't mention here). 

Even though the market is hot almost everywhere, where is a good place to start with my first investment rental where I'm looking for positive cashflow, appreciation and homes in the $120k-$200k range?