Starting out in Multi Family - What were your first steps?

[Colin M.]

Hey there -

I've posted multiple times on BP but find myself looping back to the start of my journey every time. At first i was searching SFH's in Charlotte but never took action. Now Im looking at MF buildings in Cleveland, yet to still take action.

Im a NYC based investor whos desperate to get out of the rat race but feel like Im looking too deep into markets or properties and stuck in analysis paralysis.

Im asking you guys...

As a person starting out investing, what should i be doing first? Searching Loopnet for properties and making offers, reaching out to agents to help send me properties... or just doing research on learning the business terms etc. Like how do you know what cities to start looking in, what markets are safe, good ROI markets.... Where do you guys look or start off yourselves? I like Cleveland as it shows to be a growing yet affordable city but yet I've never been. Should i go off my research and make offers, or visit multiple cities to get a personal feel for them!

What have you guys (who own property in out of state) done in your careers?