New to BP

[Fam Tsai]

Hi, I live in San Jose/Saratoga CA area and am thinking to invest in buy-and-hold rental (SFH/small multiplex or small apartment). However SF/San Jose bay area is way too expensive to find cash flow positive properties. I am thinking to find cash flow positive rental properties outside of SF/San Jose bay area. Any suggestion on which area to invest will be more than appreciated for a newbie. I don't consider properties out of CA as I am a newbie investor and out-of-CA investment seems too much trouble of a newbie.

I am thinking to invest in Merced CA. It's about 2 hours drive from San Jose but t's not far out of reach and HSR is coming to the area. It seems to me the crime rate of downtown Merced is low and home price is reasonable. I'll appreciate any suggestion to the places to invest and things to look for for a newbie investor. 

Thanks!!

[Jo-Ann Lapin]

Elk Grove, Visalia, Fairfield, Sacramento and Stockton you should add to your look list too . Happy to assist and network