Fresno, Temecula, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Texas?

[Jason L.]

This is a broad question, with an infinite number of answers...I realize that.  Just fishing for ideas and other's thoughts about these areas.  Or any other help others may offer.

I now live the Bay Area.  I rent.  I have about $300k sitting around.  My current job will give me $450k to help buy a house locally if I agree to stay here 10 years.

I realize that I don't want to buy a home here because I can do so much more with that money and make it work for me rather than being chained here with a mortgage.

I'm looking at areas to invest for cash flow and these are the preliminary cities I'm looking at.  I don't know the markets in any of these very well since I haven't lived in any recently.

Fresno : Reasonably close to drive to.  I've lived there and know the area.  I've owned and sold there for profit.  I don't know anyone there.

Temecula : I lived in San Diego and know the area moderately well.  It's a quick flight away that I can write off.  More affordable than the Bay.  I don't know anyone there.

Jacksonville : I lived in Jacksonville and know the city well.  I already have a property there.  It's way more affordable than the Bay and seems like the potential to cash flow there is good.  I have trusted friends there.  Laws are great for landlords.

Las Vegas : I know the city well.  I have family there.  It's a quick flight and a tax write off to visit.  More affordable.

Any comments or questions appreciated!