Southern California Investing or Out of State Investing

[Andrew Atakpo]

Hi Everyone!

My wife and I are newly married and have been doing our research and are about to get into real estate investing.

We however have become torn between whether we should buy something here close to where we live in Southern California (which would be our first property and we would want to buy a duplex to house hack) or buy something out of state as our first investment to get started as it would be much cheaper. 

We know there's pros and cons of each but could use some additional feedback, insight or additional ideas.

We also currently live with our in-laws, so whatever we buy in state or out as I stated would be our first property/purchase.

Thanks in advance for any and all feedback and advice as well as opinions!