Below is more context:- We all have full time jobs and in our early 30's- 2 of us live in New York City and 1 lives in Boston, if that matters- All of us are planning to do equal investment and buy the property in all cash- Our strategy for the first property is to go for cash flow - We are only going to buy one property under this LLC. 

There are some areas you probably want to avoid just like any other city. 

I choose to build a much more economical duplex (which my builds have been in the $90-120/ft2 range build costs only).There is no way the city will approve a 5 unit building with no offstreet parking.

I‘m still making decent cashflow from my job, but I’m considering buying a condo/townhouse for myself first to lower my monthly living expenses (I could move just outside the city for ~$600 less per month).

You can add keywords when people use the city you are in.

Those will exhibit the opposite of an inclined business cycle.I believe that an Investor can intelligently determine whether then business cycle will be inclined, declined or just horizontal by understanding what happens to their particlar neighborhood during the down cyle part of the business cycle.For instance, in the downturn, it is normal for Cities to lose money, and therefore cut services.

Looking to purchase in within the next 3 months in the city of Bakersfield CA.

Northside imo is hipster heaven and getting better every day.... probably the best/most centrally located neighborhood in the city- near UC, downtown, and heavy manufacturing areas. 

I am looking to go through the city and get a permit for it, but I have no prior experience in this area.Does anyone have a recommendation for a good architect/contractor who can help me with the process and get the permit?

Oh well, I'll try to taylor my posts to be more nebulous for future reviewers;)  If you are interested in specific markets, set up keywords or run searches for cities in those markets.