Tired of Dipping my Toes - Looking to Jump Right In!

[Jamal Arberry]

Hello Everyone,

I'm pretty new here and got here by way of podcast. I've always had an interest in owning multiple properties and living a life of flexibility which I know this can offer.

My first property I purchased was a single-family home that my girlfriend, now my wife, purchased back in 2015. Thanks to the VA Home Loan Guarantee, I did not have to put up too much money. 3 years later I moved out, currently renting that property and cash flow positive (basically covering my 2nd mortgage), and was able to buy my 2nd home under the VA Home Loan as well.

Safe to say, I am in a good financial situation.

To jump into it, I do have some capital to work with. I'm looking to buy at least a triplex and up (maybe a duplex if the deal is right). I currently reside in the Phoenix area. I have also been looking at the Las Vegas area, and there seems to be some good deals at least on what I can find on the internet. So the two questions I have:

1. Would it be better keep my roots where I live (Phoenix) and work on building a portfolio here

or

2. Would it be okay to branch out to different cities? (Additional question: Is Las Vegas a good market to invest in multi-family homes)

Also, if anyone can point me to some good information about the market in Las Vegas that would be wonderful as well. I will be perusing through BiggerPockets as I am sure there are tons of stuff I can learn from you all.

Thanks in advance!

Jamal