New Investor in North Texas - Abilene

[Okeoma M.]

Hi,

I've been lurking on the BP site for about a year now and have decided to finally join the conversation. Like many of you, I find myself living in a market that I can't afford (NYC) and am looking to invest in the North Texas area.  After a year of reading, learning and researching, I think the timing is finally right for me to pull the trigger. My goal is to buy my first property by the end of the year. 

I'm currently focused on the Abilene, TX area because I have family in the area and it appears to be a fairly stable housing market. Initially I'm interested in purchasing a SFH (at least 3bd/2ba) or a small multi-family (which I understand are hard to come by in good neighborhoods in Abilene). Would love any advice people may have for a first time buyer/investor.