The web site you mentioned apparently only deals with Tax Lien States.I favor operating close to home, and your home state is a Tax Lien State, as well as nearby MD and WV.I'd read all that I can at low costs or no costs, websites, books etc., but I would not spend a lot of money on some course.I'd go to some local sales in areas that you would be interested in purchasing Tax Liens. 

My guess is: there's other bargains nearby!]

Now, there’s another house nearby that we’re interested in purchasing, as another rental.

Nearby new-construction is selling for anywhere between $4-7MM.

I know that numbers also don't tell the whole story.For cash flowing multi family I'm interested in the income stream, and whether there are good cafes, restaurants, etc nearby enough.

I would love to invest nearby, I just havent found great options yet for buy and hold in California.

It's the right question for sure, one that others may have skipped over.Can you find a similar neighborhood nearby to see if style is having an effect on value in those areas?

If any of you are nearby and want to grab coffee please do let me know =)Cheers, Niki 

Based on statistics, it would be an ideal place to invest... very low crime rate (lower than national average),  low poverty level, good wages, (higher than national average) majority of residents are well educated and work in services, good schools, some universities near by. 

But my husband went to Corning and we live nearby, so we keep an eye on the market there.