Pro's and Con's of buying an investment property in my home town..

[Arthur Tom]

I live in Valencia, CA a suburb of Los Angeles, CA. I initially got into the search for a property because i need a tax write off. So I started looking out at Ventura, which is a local beach city about 45 minutes from me.  But the trips back and forth are time consuming and i don't know the area, and have to rely on the expertise of the realtor I'm working with, who has been honest and accurate in every way so far. 

My question is...since I know the city where I live pretty well, is there any reason I should look anywhere else ?  Sales tax is less in Ventura (7.5 in Ventura and 9 here). I was told by someone that if I bought a second home in my own town it would be a more expensive loan? Thanks