Where to start? Where to invest?

[Amanda Cribbs]

Hi BP Friends!

I currently live in Oceanside, CA where my husband is stationed and now have the ability to stay home with my son in order to focus my free time researching and learning about realty investing as I plan to make this my new career/Income. Looking to network and meet friends in the area that can share advice and experiences with a newbie.

We are also looking to buy a duplex or a 2-3 bedroom single family that could work as a live in flip. Ideally a 2 bedroom conversion that's a C-B house in a B-A neighborhood. Does anyone have advice for upcoming areas in Oceanside or surrounding towns where we could get a good deal with low/no money down? If we invest locally we would most likely use a 0% down VA loan. Any recommendations on lenders and realtors that have work well for them? Also very interested in meetups and networking!

On a side note... If we can't afford to invest in CA we are considering looking at a multi-family in Indiana to start off our journey for a more affordable purchase price.My biggest concern would be the loan type because I don't think I could buy one with a VA loan and would need to find a investor/partner if I have to come up with a down payment. Also not sure about investing somewhere where I don't live and how often I would need to travel. Any Indianna towns/neighborhood you recommend or realtors/brokers there that you have worked with and liked?

any advice for a newbie would be much appreciated! Thanks guys!!!