It is about the long-term appreciation of the asset.

If you are playing the long game, which you should with rental real estate you will come out ahead. 

I like condos for first investments (as long as the numbers are ok).

Hi Aaron - check out our lender page here on BiggerPockets - you can see info and a long track record of strong reviews: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/49Also, sharing links to the 10-Part Article Series we published here on BP on everything you need to know about DSCR Loans - we are fully committed to transparency and providing info/guidance to the BP investor community!

I feel like the closer to the city the better investment as long as it's within a reasonable price and safe. 

There's an entire semester-long course in law school called Civil Procedure (the absolute worst - *shudders with fright at the memories*) about figuring out the answer to that question based on the facts.

I  would be looking for something near one of the many creek revitalization projects personally (I am hopefully playing a long game).

You don't want your guest putting utilities in their own names because this is one of the items that is part of the litmus test in certain jurisdictions for establishing residency and therefore conveying long term tenant rights.

In these cities, your financial resources will go a long way enabling you to assemble a diverse multifamily portfolio and initiate a steady stream of income.

@Jeff Miller if you come down South I would be happy to meet up with you.I haven't been as active as some other investors in going to investor meet-ups but I find that they can be a double edge sword as you have seen with Rich Dad Poor Dad.Real Estate is about the long game and so is life.You want to decide where you are going and make investment and life decisions to get you there.