What are the top cities to buy a duplex?

[Chris Dimoff]

Hello!

I am quite new to the real estate world and find myself in a position where I can live and work (remotely) from anywhere in the USA. I am pre-approved to ~1.2 million but can realistically only put down ~100k. 

I am 29 years old and am trying to set myself up for the future by house hacking a duplex in a city that makes sense. I am fighting the urge to "buy my dreamhouse" and instead have someone else pay a good chunk of my mortgage. 

My work is located in California so I would prefer an area that is in PST or MST timezones. I am currently in Colorado, but houses here seem even higher than other areas I have considered.

• Some cities I have considered:
  - boise
• - spokane
• - golden, colorado
• - lakewood, colorado

What cities should I be considering? Also, what might you do if you were in my situation?

Thanks!