Brookline

The quiet cash-flow king - a working-class, stable south-side neighborhood overlooked by the trendy-neighborhood chasers, with good schools, parks, and very low turnover. Properties run $120-170K and rent for $1,000-1,200, delivering the city's better risk-adjusted yields.

Modest appreciation and older housing stock that needs upkeep. Returns depend on property condition and management quality.

Cash-flow buyers who want stable, low-turnover yields and aren't chasing appreciation.