Getting started with buying

[Jenn Tran]

Hi! 

I'm super new to this and understand the basic concepts, but would like to get more advice, or read more personal stories, before I start diving deeper and committing to anything.

I am a professional living in SF, but as you might know, the housing market is ridiculous here, and I've given up any hope in being able to afford anything here. Would it even be wise to buy at these crazy rates?

Anyway... I'd like to purchase an investment property elsewhere--in a different state, or a different city in California. Right now I've been thinking about: Pasadena (CA), Seattle (WA), Portland (OR), Austin (TX), and Boulder (CO). 

How can I get started? What would you consider to help you narrow down the choices? What variables would you keep an eye out for? Who would you work with in those areas? How do you get in touch with them? Assuming you don't living the city you purchased the property from, would you get a property manager? Why, why not? 

Any advice would be helpful! Thanks a bunch!