Is Hawaii too expensive for first deal?

[Kessy Similien]

This week I got pre-approved for a loan in Hawaii. As I'm looking through Redfin, everything is so expensive in Oahu, Hawaii and I'm wondering for my first deal would it make more sense to buy out of state. For example I've seen much cheaper multi families in Oakland. 

My pre-approval is with a Hawaiian bank and they said I can't buy out of state, should I get another pre-approval with Chase and explore other markets? 

[Gerald Amasol]

My wife and I decided to invest out of state even though her dad is a contractor and could probably do an inexpensive rehab.  We looked at a few fixer uppers and tried running the numbers but could not get them to work for buy and hold.  They did look pretty good for flipping but sadly her dad didn't want to commit as he's got a bunch of jobs lined up that will keep him busy for the foreseeable future. 

So we hopped on here and got linked up with the awesome @Laura Marks and are working on a few deals in KC.  We also working through @Nathan Shepard for our loans there as well.  I did a few inquiries at a few local fcu's as well and I don't think it hurt anything in the process so far.  At least that I have seen.