How difficult is it to get started in area far from where I live?

[Treyan Doss]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post at BP, so bear with me. I live in Palm Beach County FL and am intimidated to buy my first investment property of any sort in the area due to there being such a strong market. This is leading me to look all around the country on loopnet.com and I see that many rust belt areas have much cheaper investment options. I noticed Cleveland and Rochester are loaded with cheap multifamily, but I have never stepped foot in either city. I am looking for 2 answers: is it wise to begin investing when the property is far away but less risky financially, and what are effective means to ensure an investment is in the right area. Thank you for your time and help!

Trey