Markets which don't offer good income producing rentals

[Matt A.]

I am new to REI. I live in Seattle and am interested in buy and hold. My market has variable price points of entry...for those who know the area, comparing Alki Beach to Renton/Burien.
It seems that rents and property values diverge as the numbers go up (moving below the 1% rule). Is this market dependent or more consistent across the country?
This article below got me wondering if rental income producing properties are a less viable option for us.
I appreciate your thoughts.
http://seattlerealestateinvesting.com/why-you-shouldnt-buy-seattle-real-estate#