New member/buying out-of-state vs. buying primary residence

[Benjamin Lenz]

Hello BiggerPockets friends, 

I am very excited and thankful to become a part of this community. After discovering my fascination with real estate several months ago, I have been researching and listening to BP podcasts nonstop. My name is Ben and I'm a Registered Nurse in NYC (originally from the Bay Area in California). I am at a crossroads in choosing the strategy I should use to begin my REI journey, and could use some guidance.

I am planning on moving home to the Bay Area within the next 2-3 years to be closer to family. My original plan was to save up 100K (pretty much the bare minimum you need to buy property with 20% down in my city)  for a 2 or 3 bedroom and "house hack" it. That way I could live in and own my primary residence when I move home, and have help covering my mortgage. I already have some money saved, but it would realistically take approx. 3-4 more years to save the 100K I need at the rate I'm saving. While my original plan seemed like a solid one initially, I am starting to question myself. Would I be better served to invest the money I currently have saved in a more affordable market so that I can get the ball rolling? In the 3-4 years it may take me to save 100K, I could potentially have 2, 3, or even more rentals in my portfolio in cheaper areas. I am wrestling with the choice of saving up for my primary residence, which will take time, versus starting to invest now. My end goal is to buy and hold for passive income and long-term wealth. I have a full-time job and am not looking to get involved with wholesaling or flipping unless the opportunity presents itself. I would really appreciate any insight or advice that may be helpful. Sorry for such a long-winded introduction!!!!

Cheers,

Ben