Where should I invest in the Bay? Is Oakland an option?

[Wang Windy]

Hi biggerpockets friends,

It's my first post on the forum and I would like to get some help on starting my first investment property. I have around 250-320k cash to invest.

I live in the South Bay where houses are extremely expensive and difficult to find cash flow. However, I don't really want to invest in a property that I have to pour a lot of money into every month. 

Option 1: After researching, I found the only place that has the potential to cashflow is in the Oakland area. However, I've heard so many horror stories about the area that I am still a little hesitant to buy there.

Option 2: house hacking in San Jose, but even then I probably still gonna have some negative cash flow. Maybe a mid-term rental will provide me with better CF? Would love your insight on this.

Option 3: Out of the Bay, potentially looking into Salt Lake City, UT, Fresno, CA, or Savannah Georgia. 

I am young and I have a lot of free time. What do you think is my best strategy?