Definitely stay along popular commuting lines and keep an eye on taxes as Allan mentioned as these can be a deal killer here. 

I started with reading the BiggerPockets forums, and have since been reading tons of real estate books and listening to the podcasts on my daily commute.

The realtor should be able to help sort out how commuting will work.Microsoft is a very large company and we have lots of social interest employee groups. 

With traffic as bad as it is in Seattle you really don’t want to house hack in an outlying area of it means a 1 hour commute- time is money, especially if you’re handy and can Rehab your properties yourself!

With that said, there are definitely people looking to rent or buy in FP that are moving from more affluent areas (Ventura/LA/Santa Clarita), and willing to commute so they can enjoy the benefits of the mountain (fresh air/natural surroundings/affordable housing).

Majority of people who live in Hamden more than likely work for Yale University/Hospital as it is less than a 15 minute ride or commute as well as the neighboring Universities 

I send a lot of my investor clients there because there are so many new constructions that are affordable and buying in early is a good way to lock in future appreciation as buyers who need affordable newer housing that is still a small commute into raleigh flock there over the next few years.

I actually work close to Cicero area so it would significantly help my commute.

It doesn't have to be IN Memphis either, mostly just commuting distance.  

You would save a ton of money in tuition, and commute to save more.