Newb Looking to Invest in California

[John Yu]

Hello BiggerPockets World!

Total newb here. Been lurking for around the forums for a while trying to soak in some knowledge. I'm from the SF Bay Area and as you all know, property here is out of control. I've been looking at a lot of property online and I'm a little hesitant to pull the trigger. Perhaps due to analysis paralysis. I'm looking to invest around the low to mid $250k, while trying to stay in State. Since I don't have much experience, would it be wise to try and find something localish? like in the Sacramento area or should I take what I can get, maybe in Southern California? What I'm most worried about is managing the property from afar because I do want to do drive by's and look over the property occasionally an maybe managing it myself if it's not too far.