It might be cherry-picky, such as Dallas one thing, Florida another, and the Bay area a third.

For those not familiar with the Bay Area, the HOA fees are high in Oakland and in the Bay Area (ranging from a low of $240 that I've seen to over $735). 

I do different kinds of investment property here in the greater Tampa Bay area. 

I'm a fairly seasoned investor out of Bay Area and entering new markets in KCMO/KCK, Indianapolis, Cleveland and Birmingham.

I am in the bay area, California.

I know a probate attorney (I know your mom is still alive) and a good CPA here in the Bay Area.

Hello Jacob,I am quite far in the bay area, but looking at fellow Californians, just wanted to leave a comment. 

We have done a seller financed deal with a loan in the SF Bay Area just because we got creative and asked.

I'm originally from SLC, UT but moved to the Tampa Bay area (Clearwater) for the real estate investing opportunities. 

Only two things need to be checked mostly:If you can afford the house in your area and if after a year, rent can cover the mortgage, house hack will make you more net worth over time.Someone like me, living in the bay area of California, neither can afford a house near my job, nor rent can cover a mortgage.