Looking for markets to begin researching

[Ronald Williams]

I currently reside near Los Angeles, CA and have quickly recognized I am fortunate to own a home here but utilizing a buy and hold strategy will probably provide lower returns then other areas. I am open to looking outside the "local" area but for my first property I would really like to be within driving distance. I am utilizing a 300 mile radius which pushes me out to Phoenix AZ as well as most of Nevada. My first glance at these areas reveals I would have a much better chance of achieving the 1% rule in these areas. I was looking for contacts and guidance on these areas.