Buying Local or Out of State

[Brian Camey]

I am brand new to REI and just closed on my first property. I got a duplex I will be house hacking in while I search for my next property. I was just curious as to how you all decide whether or not to buy local or search elsewhere. I live in Naple, FL where home values are higher, and the potential for cash flow is scarce. I like the idea of buying a property I can take a short drive to see but a lot of investors I've read are buying out of state. How can I be so sure the out of state market is safe?