New Military Investor on Whidbey Island, WA

[David W.]

Good Afternoon Bigger Pockets community! My name is David Wanninger and I am a military member currently stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. I already owe a big thank you to the community here for providing an incredible amount of information and guidance without any expectation of repayment. As a fairly stoic Boglehead by nature (passive, low cost indexing), I've had my doubts as to the efficacy of REI for stable, long term financial readiness due to a perceived "impossibly high cost of entry" for the community and my lack of knowledge. With time, BP has been opening my mind to the possibilities of including real estate in a balanced, forward-thinking financial portfolio, and I would like to dip my toes in the water.

I am from SE Wisconsin originally (Milwaukee area), and have been considering taking my first steps "back home" due to a much lower cost of entry, general familiarity with the area, and a relatively stable rental market.  While I haven't written off the PNW as a viable investment landscape, the cheaper market in MKE would offer me a chance to get my feet wet without jumping in head first.  I am beginning to understand the complexity of investing out of state, and am doing my best to educate myself so I can make an informed decision moving forward.

Again, thank you all for your assistance thus far.  I look forward to the daily education that this community provides!