Starting out in MA - is it sensible to consider outside markets?

[Rob DeLaurentis]

Hello,

I am new to the RE investing world and have begun to think critically about the reality of investing when you live in one of the more expensive real estate markets.  While I am focusing on getting more familiar with the techniques and terms, there seems to me to be some realistic expectations you must have based on your home market, and the prices in that area.

This leaves me with 3 options as I see it.
1)   Continue to save more initial capital to meet the realistic barrier to entry- and stick in my home market.

2) Entertain starting in different markets where the barrier to entry would vary significantly and therefore potentially require less initial capital.

3) Attempt to creatively finance and stick in my home market.

I guess what I am wondering is if anyone has any experience going the route of option 2?

While I see all the benefits from being in your home market, it seems realistic to me to to think it would be potentially easier to get started in other markets where the price is a fraction of what I would be seeing here. Is the risk worth the potential reward?

Has anyone had successes or even experience with potential difficulties going this route?