New investor based in Los Angeles, looking at markets elsewhere!

[Alexander Jones]

Hey BP!

I'm Alex and I'm a professional commercial cinematographer living in Los Angeles. I've spent the last 6 months or so absorbing as much information as I can about REI and feel ready to start taking some actionable steps. Because the LA market is so insane right now I've started looking in central California (Fresno, Merced, etc), the Sacramento area, and have also considered out of state (I've already read @David Greene's great book on out of state investing). I understand the California markets are generally considered appreciation plays whereas the out of state markets can offer better cash flow; I'm still trying to figure out what works best for my situation. Cash flow interests me but I'd love to hear your guys' opinion on a newbie starting his career out of state (so far the Dallas TX and Jacksonville FL markets seem interesting). I'm looking at SFH or perhaps a duplex to get my feet wet.

I just wanted to introduce myself to this great community and start using this platform as a way to network with others both in LA and abroad.  

[Michael Swan]

I have 122 front doors in Northeast Ohio and you can get the 1.5% rule.  I have Zero vacancies in 8 apartment complexes and 4 single family there.  We continually push rents higher and higher. Duplexes rent for about $800.00 each side and you can purchase for about $90,000-$110,000.  In 2014 I could get these duplexes all fixed up for about $60,000-$80,000.  Who says you can't get appreciation in the Midwest?.  

Swanny