People I know who do this well find their niche and neighborhoods by circumstance and at the right moment in time; some admit this outright, others act like it was strategic and have no empathy for people starting out who don't have any specific factor pushing them into one specific area at the right time.Meanwhile, I have a large area to consider, and it's not exactly a buyers market – I'm looking at all of LA County and beyond.

Sometimes you have to think strategically:  I've ignored the 1% rule if I feel the property is a strategic purchase.  

You haven't provided enough information to really answer strategically.

I'm in the process of strategizing, preparing, and goal setting.

Your past practice, and current strategic plan as communicated to your professionals is important.  

I'm active duty Navy andI'm stationed here on an aircraft carrier.

Having someone on your team of whom you can ask tax questions, get information, and help with strategic tax planning is very empowering.

I linked to this particular topic because every post is from someone who has an open BP account;) Strategic defaults were really popular in FL and CA.

In the meantime, I'll continue to study, strategize financing, and monitor the property. 

All my failed endeavors led me to be a “strategic business consultant,” meaning “I’m an expert at driving a business into the ground so you should pay me to tell you what not to do.”