hunting for 1st home

[Matt Perez]

Hi All

So i am about to start the hunt for my first rental property. So much info on here to absorb.  I live in the San Francisco bay area. As you are all aware of the crazy market here and high values i am looking to gain some info from this group at bigger pockets.  Everything in this area is selling well above average prices. 30% over asking seems to be the normal right now out here.   Some areas homes are going for $500k over asking. We have a valley thats 1 hour outside the bay area that is more or less bedroom communities for the bay area. houses are still in the $300k-$400k range. For out here that's cheap.    

So what i am asking is with all these different calculations to try and figure out is there any one i should be focused on more.  Will getting in and only making little cash flow be ok or will that bite me in the *** later when something goes wrong.  Which rental calculations should i focus on more to be sure i am making a good investment.  

hopefully this isn't to broad for this forum as i am new and trying to learn. There's a lot of info to take on so signing up in bigger pockets and starting this conversation is my first move towards my financial freedom path.

Matt

[Nicholas L.]

@Matt Perez do you own or rent your primary?  How much cash do you have?  Can you afford a down payment on an expensive rental property?  Can you house hack?