Is it better to invest long distance for price to rent ratio?

[Bob Ross]

I am looking to just start out in investing.

I live in a high priced market (Boston)

I’d like to start investing in real estate but am wondering if it would be better to invest somewhere that is more affordable with better price to rent ratios, for example, fort Myers Florida.

Obviously, I would need to pay for property management, but if returns are much better and out-way property management costs,wouldn’t this be even better than being more “hands on” close to home in the worse performing area? It Negates having to do any maintenance yourself as well..

Why isn’t this the better route to go, why isn’t this the default of most investors? Looking for an area with best possible returns.

Thanks