New to investing, where to start?

[Leah Kendro]

In July of last year I purchased my primary residence and now I am looking to invest. I have been reading and listening to any and everything I can get my hands on regarding investments and I feel that real estate is the way to go. My significant other is from Puerto Rico and I would love to purchase a property that I can rent out there for the time being. Hopefully one day once we master the market we can flip it for a nice vacation home. I am nervous about choosing to invest in a market that I don't know tons about. I do know the safe areas and I also know the economy there has created a buyers market. We currently live in Cleveland, oh and wouldn't be against starting with a small, couple unit apartment complex here. I am looking at property but a little nervous to take the plunge. I guess any market would be a new market for me! Any advice???