Plus it seems that even lower income renters want granite counters. 

Mostly lower new haven county.

With that much equity you mine as well seek a deal at a lower amount where you control your own destiny and have to report to nobody.

Like everybody knows, CA is really expensive and I'm looking for cashflow over appreciation (and a lower entry price) so I've been trying to decide where in the US I should start looking in more depth. 

The lower end demographic like to know what their monthly expenses are and having variable utilities is a negative to them.

And amazing how job cost can lower with the same innovations that are in other fields like technology.

Baltimore has a lot of old townhouses, but I buy only in solid working class or lower middle class neighborhoods where I'd feel comfortable living myself - mostly in Baltimore county, not city. 

My investment property is a 4-unit in Michigan that was appraised at $69,000 which was much lower than I had expected, but that’s actually not the problem.  

This will rent lower than others in the area. 

House hacking may be a great way to start.  1-4 unit place.. live in 1 unit.. rent the others... pay a lower downpayment so you have cash reserves to strike on property # 2 I am in your area often on the weekends.. be open to a coffee and convo.Welcome to BPJim