Now we're seeing investors pouring money into buying Class C rentals - but, many are getting burned.In our experience & opinion, the main determinant of property Class is not location or even property condition, those are #2 and #3.

I am located in north Jersey 

Seeing as they are $45-80k properties, we know they are not in good locations which means you should pad your budget more and expect expenses to be higher than normal. 

While I am normally in the do-not-sell camp, in this case it might just sell and buy at the new location.

Quote from @Ven Bud: After hearing to lot of bp episodes on negative cash flow, I have a question.I am currently living in my primary residence and planning to purchase an investment property, and obviously it is going to be a negative cashflow (bay area), but I am of the opinion that as long as the rent on the investment property is atleast going to be greater than my current primary residence mortgage it can still considered as positive cash flow investment.The investment property is going to be in a much better location (for office commute, bay area proximity) than my primary residence.

I have seen this same house that is vacant (all the classic signs) I have located the owner ( I have not reached out to her yet).

Sadly, it seems that cash flow on long term rentals with 20% down just does not exist in most desirable locations.

Timing and location critical Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Our group works with a lot of investor buyers in both locations you mentioned.  

@Kaleb JohnsonRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?