I intend to relocate to the Rapid City, SD region in April/May for work, and I plan to acquire a primary residence that could eventually be transformed into an investment property.

You mostly hear about Self Storage and the 1 to 3 mile radius.We are on the East side of a 1mm metro city area.

First, I check if the city is a city I am interested in investing in.

Now a giant city 250,000 people and home to Cowboys, Stars, FC Dallas, minor league baseball, lots of companies, new Universal Studios theme park and something like 10 high schools now...big high schools. 

There was an offset, but it was just past the service box for the home (city responsibility) as we saw it.

In other areas of the city, there hasn't been as quick of a sell off when abatements expire.

Contacted Delaware state, the city they have their address in, etc and no business license registered, no way to verify they were legit. 

Also, what kind of property and what city in California?

Cash flow, appreciation and long term holds, is my interest, but I would love to hear some great strategies for what can been done with 100k cash, and also locations (states,cities) to invest?  

There are some great investment properties around the city.