Single family homes, distressed but in decent neighborhoods. 1980s-1990s, 3+ BR, 2+ Bath, 2 car garage, tile roof, stucco, no HOA, far east Lancaster & Palmdale (past 20th st East but before 50th East). 

Hello Douglas,Couple of quick things about Seattle that are probably good for you to know going into this.If you are looking to buy a house, especially in one of the higher-end neighborhoods, then prices will probably quickly climb into the $500K-$1M range and beyond.

(A lot of people use sites like Zillow and Trulia to look for properties though I hear they are not always accurate) If you have a specific area you are interested in check online or maybe in your local newspaper to see if there are any open houses you could attend.  

*Out of state investing, since California looks a bit hot and cash flow in a decent neighborhood seems really tough for a newbie.

I would like to have property management i both cases.Taxes in Lehigh: $2600/yr-no tenants, property has been completely remodeled, new roof, new boiler, new piping.taxes in Philly: $1200/yr- the philly is in C/D class neighborhood, tenants on housing assistance, theyve been there for 3 years, property is very well kept.

The property is 6 years old, in a pretty good neighborhood (safe enough that I can live in).

Highly desirable neighborhoods with small 2/1's.  

The mortgage amount is less than 20K, homes in that neighborhood are around 120k on the low end, 160 on the high end.

Drive around neighborhoods to find vacant houses.

Would it be a good idea to place signs in higher end neighborhoods?