Gentrification follows the formula of cheap rent+ east commute to downtown + open vacant space for restaurants and bars + proximity to another gentrified neighborhood that is getting to expensive so people expand their search to surrounding.  

There are some great neighborhoods here that balance cash flow and appreciation, like Fountain Square and Bates-Hendricks, and parts of Irvington.

Whether you’re targeting strong cash flow or long-term appreciation, understanding the dynamics of each neighborhood is key.

Hi Amir, when studying different neighborhoods in my market I like to use quantmaps.

Outside of West Oakland, what areas would you say are likely to go up in value over time - what pockets/neighborhoods are you looking at?

So when you build your pocket neighborhood, which is an interesting concept, what's to stop an undesirable person from moving in.

@Urvesh Patel recommend you focus on Neighborhoods, NOT zip codes.Zip codes are too big and in urban areas, often include Class B, C & D Neighborhoods.For MTR you'll want to focus on Class B, no lower than C+.

For C to B-Larger developments announced nearby-Increased activity in new construction-Building of commercial retail in or near the neighborhood. 

Quote from @Deltrease Hart-Anderson: What are your thoughts on putting new construction in a B+/C- neighborhood?

I’ve been starting my research by seeing what is being bought and what is on the market, and live nearby so would like to check out neighborhoods, but am wondering which neighborhoods I should invest in?