First Property price/market

[Braden Coast]

Hi everyone, hope I'm posting in the correct section here I'm new!! My wife and I are aggressively upping credit score and savings to begin a REI "career". We're on track to have a few things happen in 18 months. 1) credit scores around 700 2) 60-90k savings 3) move to Norfolk, VA area (I'm active duty military). I've been doing as much research as I can on locations and strategies, online and talking to real estate agents and friends (one of whom recommended this site which is awesome) I've gone through the BP online education and listened to a few podcasts. Some variables I've decided on are that we would prefer buy-and-hold investing, to rent out, and that we will continue working with average combined salaries around 80-90k/year, and am open to beginning with a duplex to get the whole house-hacking ball rolling. An area of all this that I'm having trouble putting my thumb on is what price market we should enter?? There are great areas(suburbs) which would attract more desirable tenants but of course cost more (duplexes and SFH starting around 130k up to millions) close to the water. On the flip side are war zones with homes for 20k that probably need to be completely rehabbed but then filled with tenants that might destroy the place or kill me when I go to collect rent (exaggerated, maybe). And areas in between, say 100k duplex in a "ok" area. So it's a question of leverage(not being spread to thin), tenant quality/occupancy, rate of acquisition of new properties, etc. I realize this a somewhat vague question and I want it to be that way to get as much feedback and light on the topic as possible. Thank you everyone for this great site and I'll stop lurking and start posting :) have a great day!

[Amberle Farthing]

Hello Braden! My name is Amberle Farthing. I'm a Realtor/Investor here in the Norfolk area. Welcome to bigger pockets! This is a fantastic site for advice, networking and education. I have made some great connections on here as I'm sure you will. 

Feel free to message me and as me as a connection. I would love to discuss what you're looking for and help in any way I could! Have a great day!