I would not expect much in the way of price gains in the IE for at least a decade. The IE was the most bubble inflated area in SoCal. Hell they were selling tract homes in MoVal at the peak for $700k! Now those are going for $250k. I have two rentals out there and they are both making some nice money for me. If you look carefully and pick up the right house in the right area you can do well. San Jacinto and Hemet are not the “right areas”. They are just too far out. Stick to Riverside or Moreno Valley. Even Perris is borderline too far out in the sticks. You can easily pick up an older 3/2 (late 80’s house) for under $150k that will rent for $1500/mo if it’s in a decent area and is in decent shape. The problem has been the competition for the properties at the low end. There’s a LOT of investor action for the good ones.