Most investors look for returns for at least break even and appreciation. Other factors are the up and coming area. You can look those up with the local planning department if there are major redevelopment projects from roads and sidewalks to building renovations. Near universities are generally good areas. Lots of factors to look at depending on the investors goals, strategi, and capital. In the Reno Tahoe area the multifamily properties are at all time low inventory and there are prices all over the place. This makes getting a DSCR loan more difficult because of the under market rents. There are still deals and we guide investors to look at the future of investing in Reno Tahoe and the strong appreciation. As a former CA resident the situation might be similar.