SFH seem to have very little cash flow, small multi-family are scarce in DFW, and commercial RE has such a high barrier for entry on the down payment side. 

Apart from anonymity, this is a significant barrier for someone attempting to foreclose on it with a judgment.I'm admitted to practice in Texas and New York, so I can't speak to California specifics.

I would also state Answer your telephone when it rings...

Spend an hour or two a day on youtube, in forums, reading books.We have been focused on SFH long term rentals for 20 years and love it, but you will want to find the thing that rings your bell so put a lot of effort into learning right now.While getting educated, invest in something, don't be stuck and do nothing.

Have never seen somebody take so much time and use so many words to make his points.Having said, what he says rings true for me.

In no particular order I have listed some of the most popular markets for out of state investorsCleveland, OhioCincinnati, OhioDayton, OhioToledo, OhioYoungstown, OhioCincinnati, OhioMemphis, TennesseeSaint Louis, MissouriIndianapolis, IndianaDetroit, MichiganErie, PennsylvaniaLouisville, KentuckyMilwaukee, WisconsinJackson, MississippiEach of these markets is popular with turnkey investors because of the low barrier to entry, high rental demand & high rent to price ratio.

I understand that "staying local" is often preached around here but this is not a viable option as I am situated in CA and would not make sense given the high barrier to entry and negative cash flow aspect of it.If you were flying solo, meaning no friends or family in the remote state, how did you get started if you have confirmed that the selected area is worth your time and money? 

We call Redford a Ring City and it's a solid Class B area.Regarding research, we've already done that for you, just follow the "Deep Dive" series we're doing on our BiggerPockets blog about Metro Detroit cities and City of Detroit Neighborhoods:https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

If you want to aim for higher quality houses and tenants, but with a higher barrier to entry then i recommend south of Dayton.

Linden and Hilltop are good neighborhoods for low-cost barrier to entry, high cash-flow especially with section-8.