Aspiring real estate investor - deciding on where to make my first purchase

[Gina Cimarelli]

Hi, my name is Gina, and I've been a listener of all BiggerPockets podcast shows since 2022. My favorite one is the BiggerPockets Money podcast.

• 🌎 Right now I'm based in Marin County, California, but I'm at a turning point in my life and figuring out where I want to move to and invest in my first property. 
• 💫 My goal is to buy my first house hack, but I am priced out of the California market unless I want to go the condo route. I'm leaning toward moving back to Northern Virginia where I am from so I can be closer to family and my dollar can go further. 
• My W2 is an issue because I am a contractor at a tech company waiting to see if they will hire me full-time. Until then, I'm waiting to make my next move. I'm 39 years old and have taken a few steps back in my career due to a RIF last year. Cash flow is an issue, but I have saved enough for a down payment and then some. 
• My goal is to keep learning until I get my W2 sorted out. 

[Gina Cimarelli]

@Bradley Buxton You've given me a lot of great things to think about. I have the option for remote work and family is first priority. I did not know that about Tesla and the Reno area. I'm a huge skier and have been traveling to Tahoe for summer/winter for over 14 years so this definitely piques my interest as a possible future opportunity.