I like the idea of starting local since I know the Miami Beach area well, and buying a studio like the one I’m renting feels like a safe first step, so I’ve been looking at similar properties to what I currently rent online and running numbers.

Using a 30% of gross income to represent what most consider a safe amount for a mortgage payment, the average person could only afford a monthly payment of $1,988.

I want to know if these areas remain desirable for investment if they are safe, and if they offer strong prospects for future appreciation.

I'm not saying to be there friend, just be an advocate to having a nice comfortable and safe place to live.  

@Steve Morris I’m motivated to provide safe and affordable housing to those in need.

how would you go about doing your strategy as a beginner to be safe?

You are a teacher from California looking to invest in states that have a high demand for section 8 housing and asked some suggestions for good states to invest.I am a retired teacher myself and all of my tenants are section 8.I personally love section 8 tenants and proving safe and affordable housing for them.I am in Michigan.

@Justin Brin Rental Guardian is another one.. very similar to Safely

But the question is whether one can actually achieve the proforma cash flow on older properties with a less economically stable tenant base.Based on your picture, you appears fairly young.My advice is buy properties in quality locations think long term 10 to 15 years - slowly and safely build your portfolio - equity and cash flow will increase over time and in 10 to 15 years you may become financially free.People talk cash flow is king but one can NOT generate financial freedom cash flow with $250,000 or $500,000 invested (equity).Even at a 10% cash on cash return, one needs $1.2M invested to generate $120K a year $10K a month.You want property to be self supporting so it needs to cash flow but once that is reached the focus in my opinion should equity growth which increases net worth.

Sleek, stainless-steel appliances and durable, easy-to-maintain materials like quartz or granite are always safe bets.