Illinois native in San Francisco looking to invest out of state

[Christopher Li]

Hi BP forum members,

I read Rich Dad Poor Dad years ago and since then have always been interested in becoming financially independent through real estate. As a recent college graduate, I am finally in a position where I have enough money to invest, and it just hurts to see it sitting in a bank account not earning interest so I'd like to close my first deal soon. 

I'm originally from the southwest suburbs of Illinois and recently moved to San Francisco for my job as a software developer. Looking at a few units in SF, housing is just insane here, I don't think theres any realistic way I could find a deal that cash flows so I started looking out of state. I'm interested in investing in Illinois since that is where I am most familiar, but I am open to suggestions. I'd appreciate words of wisdom anyone has for a young grasshopper such as myself, and would love to chat real estate with anyone who's free. Recently read Real Estate Note Investing and just started Long Distance Real Estate Investing and feeling really inspired now.

Excited to connect with you all!

Chris