Newbie from LA / Pasadena

[Nemo Patel]

Hello BP Community!

I am a newbie with zero experience.  I work full time, but I want to become involved in real estate "on the side" to gain passive cash flow.  I have been slowly reading through the guides on the BP website to gather background information.  

I am interested in buying a cash flow positive SFH or Duplex rental property to get started. Unfortunately, the only two markets that I have actually lived in both have significant barriers to entry.  The Los Angeles market (specifically San Gabriel Valley) is very expensive.  Chicago (Cook and DuPage) has been getting crushed with property taxes due to poor government management.  

I am open to any advice or resources that people may have as I start my journey.  Thanks in advance!