Newbie from Bay Area California

[Thien Tran]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new to the BiggerPockets community and very excited to join. I'm currently working for a startup in SF and have been really interested in venturing into real estate investing. I'm looking to learn more about real estate investing, how to build long term wealth and passive income. Unfortunately the home prices around my area is, well, a bit unreasonable so I was looking to invest in in properties in out of state. I've been looking at properties around Tampa, Chicago and Austin area and would love to learn more about those markets from investors here. Started reading The Book on Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner and am definitely excited about the BiggerPockets community!

[Matt K.]

Not sure about Tampa, but pretty sure Chicago and Austin are seeing some high prices... and Chicago is going crazy with taxes and such if I remember right. Props to you though for not trying to get the cheapest markets possible and "highest rents" because that's a disaster. 

Slow and steady wins the race.... be patient. Also, please go visit the area(s) your serious interested in... small price to pay against a much larger investment.

Let me know if you have questions/help, I'm one of many (like you) who's gone out of state because it's crazy here..