It might depends if they have a visa or not?

Choosing depends on your preference.

You will get an idea reading what is available and what is in demand in the area you choose also look on FF.

Never a best time and maybe never it really depends on you and what you are trying to accomplish.   

The cities you mention will all be Class A, B or C depending on the specific neighborhood and the property itself.MTRs typically must be Class B+ or higher, so how are you determining that?

Two things that have caused me to choose to not install a hot tub at our STR:1.

There may be many options available to a first time homebuyer depending on the area that you are in. 

I highly suggest that you tune in to the BiggerPockets Podcast and connect with the local lenders and brokers of the market you choose.

Hey @Avery Biles - Like @Bruce Woodruff mentioned the answer is...it depends!

Do the leases revert to month to month if they don't give you notice of if they want to renew or not.You may want to research landlord-tenant laws in San Pablo but I know that in Oakland and San Francisco (where I have my rentals), I would most likely have to pay out a relocation fee if I wanted to sell, which could cost in the thousands, depending on number of tenants, minor children, if any have a disability, over age 65.