Need help identifying out of state market to invest

[Chad Acerboni]

BP Fam -

I currently live in Southern California and I'm looking to invest in my first multifamily property. (Duplex, Triplex, or Fourplex) However, I'm looking for it to be out of state. Being in this area, I do not want to invest a majority of my other assets and I'm not sure I want to syndicate on my first investment. I have been searching out of state, the prices are cheaper and it seems I can get into the market easier for what I want to put down.

I'm aware of property taxes in different states, the expenses of hiring a management company  to run, etc. 

I have a couple of asks:

1) When looking out of California, what would be a good market to start prospecting based on your opinion/experience? 

2) What tools do you use to identify market trends? 

3) Connect with anyone who does something like this now

Thanks. 

Chad A.