Deciding between 2 markets - stuck in analysis paralysis

[Alan Casilla]

Hi All,

New investor here! I'm currently doing as much reading and learning as I can about investments (before I make my first purchase) and currently am looking to the mid west/Texas. I currently reside in CA and want to invest in either San Antonio TX or Columbus OH. Some criteria I researched are: Job Diversity, Population Growth, Weather, Higher Education in the area, Unemployment between 2006-2010 (trying to gauge possible unemployment in the near future), Median Family Income, areas of low crime in the city, researching new areas of growth (specifically class B/C).

In the long run I am looking for cash flow, but currently want to focus on appreciation (in order to build capital for future building my portfolio).

I did much analysis and I do have family in the San Antonio area which makes it easier to have a home base and someone with insight to the area. I see population growth is massive for San Antonio, and job market was not as affected in 2008 as Columbus was. In general Columbus has more properties in a lower price range which is enticing to me to be able to invest in more than a single property to start off. I see more opportunity based on price in Columbus, but due to having family / insights to the area in San Antonio I feel more inclined to start there even though it is more expensive than Columbus.

I feel like I am getting close to analysis paralysis. Of all of your experiences, are there any other pieces of criteria I should look into to help push me to a single city?