I am just starting to do market research and this great advice  

Hi Melissa,It sounds like you’re putting in some great thought and research into your investment strategy!

@Todd Anderson hey Todd, thanks for all of your advice, you've given me a lot to think about.I've been going back and forth, I need to do some research and work out the numbers.

To be honest, there are countless real estate agents out there, and often you need to do your own research and schedule appointments to find the right fit.

Just need to spend a year somewhere I may have no desire to live.Hybrid Plan:Keep researching out-of-state markets and act if a great deal appears.Move back to LA, live in Airbnbs in to get a feel for neighborhoods (open to suggestions), and house hack once I find a deal.Would love to hear from those who’ve house-hacked in LA or NYC or started with out-of-state rentals—what would you do in my shoes?

Do your research and run some numbers, but if you can buy a 4br house, rent out the other three rooms and be left with a very small mortgage payment, you can start saving for the next one and then rinse and repeat every few years. 

Researching local job markets, schools, and even infrastructure projects can provide insight into potential appreciation and cash flow.You might want to explore markets in the Midwest or South, which often have lower entry points and better cash flow potential compared to California.

I stumbled upon this group this morning doing some research into a particular lender.

Wish we had done more market research before renting the 1st floor apartment to friends of ours.

State average homeowners insurance rates indicate the risk of natural disasters.Information Sources for Data-Driven Decision MakingUtilize these resources to gather the necessary data for your city selection process:Population Size and Growth: Wikipedia's Metropolitan Statistical Area pageAppreciation Rates by Zip Code: Zillow ResearchCrime Rate: Avoid investing in cities on this list.Comparative Homeowners Insurance: ValuePenguinProperty Taxes: LendingTree (as an indicator of overall operating costs)The Importance of Local ExpertiseWhile research and data are essential, remember that general knowledge only goes so far.