Starting an rental property search

[Nawab I.]

Hi BiggerPockets community

I live in Bay Area and don't own a house. Given my current accumulated down payment (meager) and high prices here, I am instead thinking of buying cheaper houses somewhere else and use the rental income to live in a rental property in my current location. Where do I start this search?

With my very basic research in last week, i see that Detroit, MI is a high Rent:Price market. I am also interested in Austin area, as this is a place where I might actually want to relocate in future due to its blooming tech scene. Also, both of above cities show a good chance of value appreciation.

Other than that, i don't know what steps should I do to remotely buy and operate a rental property. 

Anyone who has done similar and/or planning to do the same, would you mind sharing your research? 

Regards
Nawab