The point is the the Bay Area is ok for those that have always been here but it won't work for the average joe from other parts of the country unless they are very well financially well healed and very experienced that is just not most folks, period. 

That is earthquake country.   99% of the properties in the CA area have cracks in the concrete.  

I'd love to see what everyone looks for and how it differs across the country.

Vacant land is a great place because no big issues and you can buy and sell all over the country fairly easily.And since no debt, it is okay if a property takes a few weeks to sell.

Basically, we are seen as a "Flight to Safety" City, stabilizing any weakness that we see in other Cities in our Country (UK and US, that is).

How in the world would someone across the country pick Macon Ga for investing?

Since our VRs are in Maui, half of our guests are from Canada and other countries so we get that extra 2% added on.

I also handle the marketing and bookings for some other owners in different areas of the country.

Obviously there are realtors and investors but they are not as "plugged in" with social media platforms like BP so it's kinda hard finding trustworthy genuine people that aren't across the country lol sighhh 

I don't have a vacation rental of my own, but I've stayed in quite a few airbnbs in different states and countries.