how to buy out-of-state multifamily properties?

[Garrette Becker]

Happy New Year BP members! I am looking for my first multifamily property but theres just one problem I'm running into. I can invest in my local markets due to the prices. Im living in San Diego California and plan to make my first investment within the next 3 to 4 months. I have researched a couple areas such as fort worth, Texas and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Im just wondering what i need to really be aware of when trying to buy out of state properties. Im super weary of doing this because its my first purchase and I feel as if I need to physically be there to get all the necessary steps taken care of such as inspections and meeting the owners to get a good understanding of what the properties are operating at. I just want to know if this is a good idea for my first purchase and what other people who have done this has run into so I can try to have a better first experience.