Living in San Jose, CA. Can I House hack or should I invest OOS

[Eric Long]

Hi BP community!

I currently rent with my girlfriend in San Jose, CA for $1850 and our job is 10 minutes drive. Our commute is great but been reading House hacking and I am unsure if it is possible here. Unsure if California is my long term place. 

With lower capital, I can invest Out of state (OOS). Would this be easy? How do I make sure I don't get scammed. Is passive OOS investing an option or more hands-on OOS investing the ideal way? Any tips for someone who currently lives in a high cost area.