Newbie potentially investing Barstow, CA...good idea?

[Josh Yamada]

I'm trying to get into REI because I want more time to spend with family, friends, and to focus on my health. My best friend is a real estate agent who's also getting into REI, but he's looking out of state. I'd like my first "deal" to be somewhat local so my friend threw out Barstow, CA as an option. Here's more of the specifics I told him:

• Small multi-family
• Semi-local location
• Looking for cash-flow

I know it's not much to go on, but I'm still figuring out the rest (i.e., budget).  

Anyway, the main reason for my post is to ask, has anyone invested in Barstow, Ca?  I've always had the general feeling that Barstow is not a great area (drugs, crime, poor schools).  I did look at a crime map website and saw virtually no crime, which I assume I messed up the search (it was a quick search).  

Another thing I was going to do is contact a property management company to see what their experiences have been in the area and if there are any "good" areas in Barstow.  

My final thought is that I've typically been stuck in analysis paralysis and I'm trying to be more balanced (action supported by analysis).  I've heard from BP podcasts that it's more important that I get in the game than have my first deal be a homerun, BUT I also don't want to strike out.  Would investing in Barstow, CA just setting my self up to strike out?

Thanks BP community!

[Charles Renn]

Hi @Josh Yamada and @Natanya Vidales,

You've got a lot of good advice in this thread already, but here are my two cents. If you don't currently own your residence, I'd recommend considering a duplex to house hack. If you don't want to live in Barstow there are other parts of SoCal, maybe closer to where you are familiar, that can be a great starter to your portfolio. Even if you do currently own your residence, Riverside and San Bernardino county have options for cash flowing multi-family properties.

Let me know if I can provide further value and insight.

Hope this helps!