Southern Indiana has been a viable option for a while.

First time investor here out of Southern California and I have been exploring the idea of making my first purchase be a Short Term Rental in Big Bear Lake. 

Also, any southern california investor, including myself and yourself, will look at Las Vegas as the next logical choice.If SFR, then Summerlin is the best area, but prices will start at 300k.

Like you, I'm a European living in North America so I can compare the two systems.I invest internationally and, in Europe, I've been focusing on residential properties in several Southern European countries, which I'm most familiar with.

If you're doing work in southern california, I'm willing to jump in and help your operation with the only pay being the knowledge I gain while working with you.

I live in Southern California so I am exploring the option of buying out of state. 

Yes I know that as a flipper you should only offer 70 to 75% of the price but this is southern California and I am afraid that strategy just doesn't work well here.  

Are there any BP'ers out there that have successfully pulled off a house hack in decent towns in Southern Bergen, Essex, Union, or Hudson counties?

The other factor affecting Las Vegas is people like you and me who live in Southern California, and see outrageous prices, then head to LV and see bargains all over the place.Terry

I'm in the southern area of Orlando.