Choosing a market to start out in driving distance from NYC

[Julie Greenhouse]

hi! I live in NYC and am looking to buy my first real estate property to rent out, ideally for a combo of income and appreciation. The thought of buying in a market I'm unfamiliar with and isn't within driving distance is a bit daunting to me.  Any suggestions for markets within a couple hours distance of NYC that you would recommend I look into?  New Haven, Philly?

Separately, my daughter is going to school in the fall in New Orleans so I am considering investing there, but it seems like Nola has its own set of problems that might make it too difficult as a first investment.  Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

[Akshay Nihalaney]

@Julie Greenhouse - I live in NYC as well, invest in Albany, NY; which is about 2.5 hours drive. You could cash-flow and get appreciation in the Capital District.

There are a couple of other suggestions here -

https://www.biggerpockets.com/...

Hope this helps.