First property in Illinois

[Mark Hagge]

Hey BP! This is my first post. I've been considering getting into real estate for quite some time, and so I've been reaching out the contacts in my local church and otherwise to get their thoughts and opinions. I'm looking for my first purchase, and one of the guys I talked to said he's definitely moving his purchases over to Indiana because of the lower taxes and better opportunities. I can understand this conceptually, however, I feel like I want to purchase a property close to me so that I can have a hands-on experience and take part in every part of property management as a way to pay my tuition and earn my education in the School of Real Estate.

Am I thinking about this correctly? Is it silly to want to manage a property close by me as my first property?

Mark