Purchase a home outside my area?

[Martha Hernandez]

Hi, 
I currently live in the San Francisco Bay area, which is extremely expensive for a single female. I make decent money, however not enough to afford a house, maybe a small condo/townhouse with a high HOA. I did look in the Central Valley which I can afford the down payment and mortgage if I don't have renters, and still be able to pay my current rent in the Bay. I don't know enough about first time home buyer programs, do you recommend looking into those before purchasing outside of my area?

Thanks!

Martha