But I like the idea of Rochester or another similar city for my next property.

I'm not counting those since I don't manage them, but I typically avoid cities and states with laws antagonistic to landlords.

The City has done a lot of work to clean itself up in recent years so you will find not only a lot of rehabbed houses, but businesses and store front rehabs, too.

I have a few I can recommend as well, for the city and suburbs.

@HaiderFord is also talking about the impact on Memphis.Here is an article Ford put out 12/24https://fordauthority.com/2024/12/ford-blueoval-city-set-to-...

@Nicole ShoafLike you, we live in the Santa Cruz area but have investment properties out of state near Salt Lake City.

Getting that first property is exciting—and yeah, NYC is no joke when it comes to price of entry.Honestly, a lot of people I’ve talked to in your shoes end up finding better opportunities just outside the city.

.#1 I would call the city rentals department directly and ask if the seller's license will remain active until the day yours becomes active.

Do both cities zoning make it very hard to build 2-4 unit properties? 

This would require you to visit, not necessarily live in that same city.