Cash-Flow, Appreciation, stability, fix-n-flip etc.It sounds like you are looking for cash flow, and you are right mid-west (right now) is the cash flow king.

I have an opportunity in Modesto, Ca.

We’re seeing a lot of money coming in from California and the northeast.

I'm now living in the California Bay Area, but planning to invest in St.

It is even more common in markets like California, where finding affordable housing may force the commute to be an hour or more.

It's far from easy to find market growth AND cash flow at the same time, but where I was looking at markets where cash flow is king before, I'm now starting to think I should emphasize growth a bit more so long I still have a decent cash flow cushion. 

People would brag, especially in CA about having only a $200-$300/mth negative.

I advise them on how to build credit or direct them to Insurent and help them with other options, but respectfully tell them I won't show them the apt if they know from the start they wouldn't qualify for it.In Brooklyn we say: "credit is king!".

Based on what I've heard from them during the past several years, it is not the place to invest for reasons others members are posting here and the fact that Bend's economy is somewhat artificial with all the transplants coming in from California.  

Where in Southern California would you look for buildable land that was suitable for horses, yet reasonably priced and in a somewhat livable area?