New Members from Bay Area

[Jane Dang]

Hi Everyone, I am new to this site.  I am from bay area where real estate investment becomes so difficult.  I want to do some out of state investment but have no clue where to start.  I am currently working in IT field but want to be able to quit my jobs in next 10 years.  I hope investing in real estate can give me a substitute income when it is time.  I would like to network with people who have similar goals and learn from people who have done this successfully.

If someone can share with me how to calculate a 'make sense' rental investment? like how much down payment would be added to calculate a positive income for a rental property? what is your formula to analyze a rental investment?

 I have relatives who are living in Dallas, Texas so I start looking in that area.   I found Highland Park, University Park are good neighborhoods but they are expensive like bay area.  The reason I look these two places because they are good locations/good school where rental demands are high.  I analyze a few condo with 25% down payment and it is always giving a negative -$200-$300/month.

Where should be an good area to invest in Dallas, or where else.  Please advise.

regards,

Jane