So I've done tons of research and analysis and just wanted to pick the brains of members here before I dive head first.I am looking for my first residential investment property in Oakland, Stockton, Modesto and Sacramento.

Hello Mark,I own rental property in Modesto California, and I used a company called Greengate Property Management in Modesto which I  had a lot of problems with.

What’s been your experience investing in the Stockton and or Modesto areas in California?

I saw the other post about going 100 miles away like Fresno or Stockton or Modesto and would consider it (details?).

And it's not like most of them can afford it anyways.So, they see that they can buy a completely remodeled and updated home in Sacramento, Stockton, or Modesto for less than $350k, and so they're making the move out here in droves.

I ended up using Countryside Property Management based out in Modesto.

Have you considered Vallejo, or going out to Stockton/Modesto or Sac?

I tend to find my own deals but some of the best have come from an agent that has a pocket listing.With whatever investing you do in the future, whether its real estate, stocks, or just putting money in CD's, remember to have piece of mind and never over stretch yourself.If you want, you can invest in your backyard, Fairfield, Sacramento, San Leandro, Modesto, and Fresno are some of the cheaper real estate areas in Northern California.

By the time you extend out areas like Sacramento and Modesto you're pretty much in the absentee landlord boat.  

The house is in Modesto CA.