First time investor from California

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Hello BP!

I am currently an active duty Marine looking to invest in Multifamily homes in California. Yesterday I bought and read The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Real Estate Investing, and was hooked! I am now reading my second book on buying and renting.

I plan on using my VA loan to purchase a duplex or triplex in Southern California and keeping a unit for my wife and I and renting out the other unit. However, after reading through the forum I keep seeing posts about investing outside of California. I am open to that decision but confused on where to start? Or should I go with my first option? I'm afraid that if I do invest outside of California and no one rents the property I am stuck paying for my home here and in another state.

Thank you.