Anyone try the Bay Area this year? Or just shoot for Midwest?

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Hello!

I'll be moving to the Bay Area later at some point this year due to a job change and recently got started on my real estate investment journey. I have yet to buy a place, but I hear that it's generally best to invest locally if it's your first time. I was wondering if anyone has had any success in SFR's or multi-family buildings this year. I'm shooting for a minimal value-add 8%+ COC. Based on what I've seen on the market on the MLS so far (I know, I should get an agent), it seems like that's not happening any time soon, and I may be better off investing in the Midwest somewhere. I imagine it's a weird time for investors right now since people are moving out of the area but there's still some bidding on SFR's. Anyone make any moves in this general area?

As far as the Midwest is concerned, I've been poking around Detroit, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Detroit and Cleveland seem to have pretty good numbers as a first-pass. I'd still need to understand the neighborhoods. I was originally shooting for Indianapolis, but it seems like appreciation rate is somewhat outpacing the rental increase rate. Given that it would be my first investment and I'd be out of state, I imagine it would be best for me to go for turnkey SFR / multi-family buildings with a PM. Thoughts?