Getting started should I buy in state or out of state

[Erin Schenk]

I live in venture California. Prices were already pretty ugh and will likely be overinflated for a while due to the big fire we had in December. I have been pondering if investing out of state makes more sense. What are people’s thoughts on doing that as a new investor? 

What are good areas to do that in?

I’m hesitant to buy something far away. And might feel better buying somewhere near family or friends which put Phoenix Arizona and Evansville Indiana on my radar of places to try to learn about.