Wait now to invest in Austin or Raleigh

[Jay Wang]

Hi,

I am a single engineer in my early 30s. I was able to save 200K but the maximum home I can purchase in bay area, California is 1.4 million. I cannot afford any single family home in mountain view, and I don't like to live more than a half hour drive away from my house. I am happy renting an apartment for $3000 now, with around 10 minutes bike ride to work.

My question is: would you recommend me to:

1. buy a single family home in South San Jose, drive an hour to work every day. I will hate my life but the home appreciation is fast.

2. Invest in multiple houses in Raleigh, Austin?

I have a colleague who bought 3 new homes in Austin near the Tesla factor in Mar 2020. And her investment properties already appreciated 100K each house. I am thinking of buying homes as well, but not sure if the market is too high now.

Any advice will be appreciated!