Inheritance

[Maureen M.]

I recently inherited about $100K, and I would like to invest it in real estate. Obviously, I'd like to make money with it! I live in southern CA where there are no more real estate bargains, but properties seem to keep appreciating at pretty high rates. $100K won't get me any properties free and clear, but it would be a good (25%) downpayment on perhaps two one-bedroom condos that might rent for about $1200 each. Would I do better investing my inheritance out of state? I keep reading about units that cost $30K  each on this site. California property taxes are favorable as is appreciation in general. What is your advice: stay in California or go out of state, and if out of state, what area?