Start locally in an expensive area or long-distance in an affordable area?

[Kevin Forsell]

I'm saving now for an investment property, but I live in Jersey City, NJ. Duplexes in the area are minimum 500k, and need a lot of work. Should my first property be a local investment or should I look in a more affordable area? 

Context: I'm 33 and make good money at my FT job (Netting around 9,000/mo), and I'm not willing to move away from Jersey City. I currently have about 10k aside for my real estate investment journey. I have a good agent in the area (who also invests) and he suggests I save 50k in order to purchase a property with HFA, house hack, and have some reno budget. I really enjoy my FT job, so I don't mind spending 2+ years to save the 50k and learn more about investing. What are your thoughts?