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Updated over 10 years ago on . Most recent reply
![Rosalina Brenda Berk's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/130367/1621418314-avatar-brendaaraujo82.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/cover=128x128&v=2)
Newbie from Los Angeles
Hi there!
My name is Brenda and I'm new to real estate investing and I'm looking forward to learning as much as possible. The only real estate experience I have is an REIT index fund I purchased a few months ago.
I would love to be a part of the buy and hold community with a focus on single family homes and small multifamily properties (perhaps even live in one of the units).
It would be nice to find a deal in California, but I'm open to markets outside of California, for obvious reasons. Market is bound to go down again, right? I'm beginning my search in Virginia, Texas, Indiana, and Georgia.
Thanks for taking the time to read my little introduction. I'm excited to be here!
-Brenda
Most Popular Reply
![Mike D'Arrigo's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/55526/1621412236-avatar-mikedarrigo.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/cover=128x128&v=2)
@Rosalina Brenda Berk Atlanta is really played out. The equity funds have pushed prices up too much. Texas has a great economy but they also have high property taxes and insurance rates which eat in to your cash flow. Avoid choosing a market just because you have relatives there. Unless they are professional property managers, they're not going to be of any real help to you. Choose a market based on it's economic fundamentals and returns. I wrote a report on how to choose an investment market. I'll be happy to share it with you if you'd like.
Best wishes
Mike