Looking to buy and hold in other areas from where i live

[Craig J Chelette]

I am looking at investing in areas outside of where I live. I believe I can potentially get 2 multi family homes for the price 1 multi family home here in the Salt Lake area.  Right now i am looking in Milwaukee, St Louis, and Memphis.

Other than due diligence (I know, a huge part), what are some other issues investors run into with out of state investing? I know Biggerpockets is a great place to network and try to find boots on the ground so to speak.  This will be my first property so is it best to do the first one close to me? I want more property for my money than what is being offered around me so that way I can increase cash flow to buy more property.   Are there better areas to look for investments?  Anyone in these areas willing to help me out and get something going?  Thanks 

[Frankie Woods]

STL is a great market, but you really must understand the market as neighborhoods change drastically by street.  I mistakenly purchased in more troublesome neighborhoods in South City, and it has bit me in the arse.  Annnnnd, I lived 20 minutes away from where these properties were located. @Peter MacKercher is a terrific resource and really understands the nuances of the market.  My advice would be not necessarily to invest close to where you live, but to have boots on the ground (especially a PM) that you trust, can find actual deals, and understands the surrounding area and where the market is going.