Just say no.I would almost never do this trade unless all my downside, including potential unknowns, were completely compensated for. 

It's a global leader in technology (Silicon Valley), agriculture (Central Valley), international trade (ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach), and tourism.

I would like to do the renovation work myself and hire skilled tradespeople when needed. 

We have a good amount of guest that come for graduations at Fort Jackson, baseball tournaments, family get togethers, lots of people for various types of work trips, etc.

The other day I started the thread Why do people Buy Property in California? 

Too many people are sleeping on this.Kentucky Economic Development has many site ready properties in smaller areas that are ripe for rentals. 

If you're more of a 'personal referral' person than a 'do research online' person, and this is local to you in Manhattan, KS, hit up one or two of the trades people in the "little apple all stars" BNI group.

From what I see, there are people who invest in different real estate markets all over the country.

I agree more people need to inquire. 

I know BiggerPockets already has a number of great calculators, but is there anything niche that people are interested in?