And do you really think these 2nd/3rd tier CA cities are going to be long tern gems?

Awesome hopefully there's some gems of advice scattered in there! 

We have found buyers for the area, and realtors are suggesting that it's a hidden gem with everyone moving further away from the city, but it's new still.Properties just outside of town usually have good square footage (1,500-3,000sf) and land (around an acre), while homes in-town are usually small 6,000-10,000sf lots and house sizes are the typical 1,000-1,500sf.The rental inventory is extremely low and seems to be a great strategy, but flipping houses seems to be something that is taking off as well.

Really a hidden gem of a raw investment opportunity.

One post on Craigslist will likely elicit at least 20 desperate applicants (many that you would not want but there are some gems out there).

There are both vintage and newer homes to be found around there and you might even find a fixer upper if you're of that mindset.  

& then this amazing gem on Friday

Ever since I became interested in real estate this site has been a gem!

I appreciate your thoughtful posts such as this gem - Vetting an Apartment Deal Sponsor - 10 Tips from an Insider

Gems like - please put on your letterhead that "Taking money out of your client's business account will not negatively affect his business."