No, not places you heard people want to live, or were told, or think, no-no-no, where you KNOW people want to live. 

I wouldn't start investing in the US if you have no plans on coming back from living in China.

Live way below your means and save the majority of your income.

Since your metric is modest cash flow with long-term appreciation, focus on neighborhoods with a history of steady growth and tenant stability.As a realtor, you already have the skills to analyze deals—so trust your instincts and take action!

Usually, this is a sign of stability and a preview of the types of people who live in the area. 

You could start by reaching out to any local corporations that do assisted living in your area and see what they are looking for (location, space specs, etc). 

Please see the rough numbers below :Tear down house price 350k,Construction cost 165 sqft * 2 build=627k too much for the land unless your exit is 3 million. don't reinvent the wheel. no single family home builder is paying 300k for land. that's miami florida prices where I live. we buy land 50k and under in Columbus Ohio. keep land at less than 10% of after built value.

Where I live, we still have a severe shortage of homes--median time on market is still 7 days and it would likely be shorter if not for delayed negations being the norm. 

Just thank your deity that you don’t live in a rent controlled city/state.

He would need to find a place to live,which would take money off the table for collateral in his next deal.