They are always leased here even for the corporate stations where they have a convenience store, a Popeyes or the like and a car wash.

Primarily desert washes, but also near a creek....So I would go knock on doors and ask neighbors when it has flooded and what they think about the area......maybe call the County water board and ask then what has happened there in the past.

I plan to manage the properties myself until it conflicts with my regular job.I would appreciate any advice on these markets to ensure success and connect with local investors.    

If they don't pay within the required timeframe, then I auction off the storage unit and wash my hands of it.

We had a wash & fold service with pickup & delivery, which added complexity to the operation.

Is the property just a regular-style house or something you can build an experience around?  

Quote from @Johnny Lynum: Quote from @Billy Smith: I like SFH in the A-B area rent it you do the  upkeep  doing as much as possible your self to help max your rent out .I like to pay down the note as fast as possible .If in a C-D area I would flip the SFH wash your hands of it.SFH are generally easier to unload if you get in a cash crunch, I like staying in the first time home buyers level of a SFH  keeping it in a hot zone .If I were a BIG fish I would do deals at various level's of course after  doing the home work . 

I would still need to subscribe to a streaming service for cable tv, so cost savings wouldnt be much (or a wash), but otherwise it seems like it might be a viable alternative?

They have regular meet ups.

The key difference, though, was he spent months carefully getting to know the local architecs, reputable builders, and even a couple of niche design firms that specialize in modern builds for mid- to high-end buyers.