Many purchase deals in the city/county of Los Angeles are still going through already.

In all major cities, especially ones with a higher crime index, unless you study the market and know it, I would never rely on someone else to choose a block.

Joining ULI/NAIOP in your local city could help too.

In Cleveland over 75% of the population rents that are in the city.

I learned about the city over time and began my out-of-state investing journey. 

You can probably find some around DFW in some of the outer cities for around $250,000, so 1031 the ones with the most equity into more properties with chances for more appreciation.One thing I would suggest is not to buy NEW from the big production builders. 

Even the main city of Malaga, who was considered a backwater city just 10 years ago has become very popular and is now turning itself in a little Silicon Valley and banking center.

At one point years ago, I toyed with the idea of owning giant apartment complexes in multiple cities.

I wouldn't consider it a heavy negative unless the street is super tight and parking is hard to come by or if the street is very steep/busy.The more desirable dense city neighborhoods it's almost kind of expected and off street parking would be considered a luxury rather than a necessity.If you get out into the suburbs I would say it's more of a big deal since more rentals have off street parking or a garage there.

That is on one of the largest arterial streets in the city, massive traffic count.