If the numbers make sense, which usually equates to 10% or better cash on cash and roughly 1% rent to price ratio in an area that has appreciated well recently, I don't care how far I'm away from that market, I try to buy there.

Thank you for your reply and so well organized thoughts. 

Obviously, their capital gains are well beyond the $500k primary residence exemption. 

Any areas in Sacramento that worked particularly well (or didn’t)?

I came across some critical information today that I think is important to share with you:In the aftermath of the LA fires, it has become evident that some homeowners’ insurance claims have been denied or disputed because the property title was held in a trust, but the insurance policy was under the individual homeowner’s name.This serves as a valuable reminder to review your insurance policies and ensure that the ownership structure on your property title matches the named insured on their policy.

Alabama - super low property tax but the rents are lower as well but all in all a good cash flow state.  

I'm looking to purchase my first property with my fiancé (both 25) with the goal being to establish our primary residence together, as well as giving me the opportunity to add equity/value via rehab before moving on and converting the property into a rental within a year or so to kickstart an investment portfolio.An interesting lead that recently came up is my parent's neighbor's house.

I'd try those 2 as well! 

Welcome to the community and be ready for a huge amount of information at your finger tips.

While I don't object to spending money to do one's due diligence, I don't know if $500 is called for when you can get very high quality syndication groups/meetups/information for free.