You will love the diverse community and all the resources.

You will learn a ton from this diverse community of real estate enthusiasts.All the best,

You need a diverse approach.Realtors, MLS, Craigslist, Zillow etc for people who have already taken the time and money to list their property the traditional ways.Website with good SEO to attract people actively looking for a buyer online - and entering the keyword searches you optimize for.Mail to off-market leads.

In my opinion, to achieve any kind of true diversity, I think you would need to buy something on the order of 1 SFR in Ohio, a duplex in SF, apartment complex in miami, and a bed and breakfast in phoenix.  

Be sure that the economy where you are thinking of is diverse and the population is growing.  

You won't want to go back down into a plex once you move into a nicer house, so aim there early, delay gratification and reap the cash-flow benefits once you are through those "easy" mortgages.As far as station goes, you'll want to buy in larger community with a diverse economy. 

@Andy C.Yes, Sacramento has strong job growth and the economy is much more diverse than the Silicon Valley.

Lynn is a more diverse market comprised of Section 8 and market tenant buildings, especially near the ocean and the Swampscott line, but again, I'm selling the former for the same reason as Dorchester.  

@Adam Hershman I know I come across as very pro RE which I am, but I'm a big believer in having a diverse portfolio which of course includes equities.

Not sure on Ali's comments and data but rents are up, millennials are moving in and economy is more diverse than ever.