First time investor looking for advice

[Maximilian Mayr]

Hi BP community! I have been following and doing research for a while now and I think it is time to pull the trigger and get my first investment property!

I live in Southern California and here it’s nearly impossible for me to get my feet into the door. So I’m looking for advice in what markets I should do my research? My savings for a downpayment/ closing costs are around 20k. So I guess I’m looking at properties right around the 100k range!? 
also is it Smart to get a pre-approval already in different states or how would you guys start? 

Thanks in advance!