When the air or heat comes on , it turns the fan at a consistent fast speed.

Consistent rent growth can signal strong demand.Job Market & Population Growth: Rental demand often follows job and population growth.

I want consistent income I can depend on from a strong tenant and location.

@Dayana Castellon, managing cleaners to consistently set up and clean the Airbnb worth a 5-start rating.

Similar to you, I wanted to find somewhere less expensive, still close to the Bay Area (drivable), but without the high property taxes, more favorable tenant/landlord laws, no state income tax, and consistent job/population growth. 

This team consists of an Investor Focused Agent, Lender, Contractor, and PM.Read this article on the "core 4".

Ideally, I'm seeking an investment property that is self-sustaining and generates consistent long-term income.

When I evaluate the options, house hacking consistently offers the highest risk-adjusted return, 10 times out of 10.That said, it seems like house hacking might not align with the lifestyle you envision: “I can’t afford a place with enough bedrooms in a single unit in the areas I want to live.”

Sentimental value can be a significant barrier to selling, so creating a level of trust and understanding is crucial.One strategy is to consistently follow up over time without being pushy.

If you’re just starting out, a long-term rental could be the safer bet for consistent returns and lower management hassle.On the other hand, some investors prefer out-of-state opportunities for better cash flow and affordability.