Investing in Maryland

[Tim Ellis]

Hello all,

I am new here and just getting started. I have been listening to podcasts which has peaked my interest in real estate investing, however I have struggled to find ways to compete in my current home state of Maryland. I have no interest in investing in higher crime areas (I want to stay out of Baltimore), and am interested in investing in up and coming areas with reasonable prices. My issue is that most of the nearby areas seem very expensive to get into and the home value to rent ratio doesn’t seem as high as other states. I just purchased my first property which I live in now. I’d like to slowly grow a portfolio over time to achieve financial freedom. I work a regular day job as well and have started saving for my second down payment.  

Im curious how others have successfully entered the Maryland or a similar market without investing in the seedier areas. Also, are there any specific areas that are good to look at given my goals?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!