I also have about 2 buyers on a home search for this year.

Based on my limited searching, rent values are only about 20% less in those areas and properties are probably 50% cheaper.

In my search, which entailed looking at all cities that have direct flights from Santa Ana airport (in case I need to be there), I have basically narrowed my search to Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding suburbs.Looking forward to joining this great community that has been helping millions on the quest to financial freedom!

Not knowing where to start, my wife and I contacted the county and requested a title search.

I will keep your tip in mind as we continue our search.  

This is my first post in the BiggerPockets forums - I searched through the database and didn't find an answer to this question yet, but forgive me if I overlooked it somewhere. 

I would prefer get 3+ units so I may have to extend my search a bit out of downtown but who knows.

Hey @Greg Tomita, I haven’t had any one-on-one experience with cleaners or handyman in the Greater Phoenix area, as of yet (I opertae a few STR dwellings in Europe and will be expanding to top vacation locations in 2018)  but here’s a simple search query listing more service providers than one could handle.

Just do a Facebook search for "san diego housing" or something like that. 

I'm looking to actively search the market starting in June or July.