I would say that Bakersfield is a more diverse economy than Barstow, but I am not that familiar with Barstow so I cannot say which would have better cashflow opportunities. 

Hopefully they’re diverse enough to subsidize a loss on one market with profits of another.

Really, it is diverse enough that you have areas where the barrier of entry is high but the flip returns are great with super low days on market (Nor.

Perma-bears love precious metals, and try to stay primarily in these physical goods: Risky.I think a diverse and balanced approach is your wisest path toward financial health and asset protection.

But i enjoy the diversity reminds me of home.

Values are determined in July of the previous year, and properties are rarely visited in person by provincial appraisers.For this reason, provincial property assessments should never be solely relied upon as any sort of relevant indicator of true market value for the purposes of purchase, sale or financing.Think of the assessed value instead as something akin to a weather forecast, spanning far larger and more diverse areas than the unique ecosystem that is your neighbourhood, your specific street, or your specific property.

Hey @Karthik RamachandranIn general it is best to target markets with both positive employment growth and population growth.After evaluating the state for general economic trends and real estate related laws which will affect how you can operate in the state, the local market is important and can be very diverse within each state.  

But when I weigh the other factors- people, diversity, opportunities, WEATHER...

Look at things like population and job growth, median incomes, job diversity, rent/buy ratio etc.

The percentage may differ based on the individuals and their needs but again the diversity needs to be there.I'll always be a RE guy first because that's what I know best but if you can tax free money from a cash out refinance, place it into an F.I.A. ( Fixed Indexed Annuity ) an literally be guaranteed not to ever lose money unless you withdraw it during the surrender period.