Out of State Investing and Markets

[William Kim]

I've been reading and receiving a lot of great advice/recommendations on BP about certain investment strategies and how to go about them.  One of the strategies that we are seriously considering and likely starting off with (have yet to purchase first investment property) is an out-of-state rental property (whether it be SF or multi).  As the preference is to continue working full-time with my current job, we are looking to find turnkey properties as we currently don't have the time to manage the property, don't have experience with any boots on the ground, and want to gain experience through working with the provider and the potential PM.  

In looking for a good deal, we are trying to determine a market that would be turnkey friendly and have cash-flowing opportunities (positive of course) with appreciation not necessary but icing on the cake.  This would be a long term hold/play.  In browsing the forums, I've been seeing cities thrown out here and there such as OKC, cities in OH (Cleveland, Dayton), Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.  Have also seen Phoenix.  

Has anyone had experience investing in these cities?  With turnkeys?  Or any other cities you would recommend?  And perhaps cities/areas of cities to stay away from?  We're looking to stay in the B/C class neighborhoods (preferably B) and maybe in the $100-200K range.  Would appreciate any feedback here!  Thanks in advance.