Do you recommend buying your first rental property in the area closest to your home?

[Steve Ogle]

Hey there! Santa Rosa, CA resident here, ready to dive into the world of real estate investing! It's an exciting journey, but I have to admit, the higher prices in my area make me a tad hesitant. Still, I'm determined to purchase my first rental property this year.

Being close to my investment has its appeal, but I could really use some guidance from seasoned experts like you. Should I take the plunge and focus on Santa Rosa, and Northern California or would it be wiser to explore other opportunities elsewhere? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch for your help—I'm eager to kickstart my real estate investing adventure!