Real Estate Newbie - Looking for general advice

[Dan Frisch]

Hi All, 

For anyone reading this, I first want to apologize if it sounds like I don't know what I am talking about. Because, you're right, I don't. I am a 31 year old medical device sales rep who is about to get married and start a family in the next few years. I have been working in Med device for nearly 8 years and the last 6 have been spent with the  same company. Over the past year or so, my interest in real estate has increased and I have finally decided to seriously consider purchasing some property as an investment. I unfortunately live in an developing city that has turned over the last 20 years,. And now real estate costs are though the roof. That being said there seems to be an opportunity adjacent to the city I currently live, that I believe (and I am sure others do to) will be the next place to turn. 

I am looking for some general advice. I want to start small. Is it worth taking a chance on an apartment (unit) that will likely be easy to rent now, with the hope that the development of that area is 5-10 years away? Or do I try my hand in flipping a house in the suburbs surrounding the city I live. 

This is my first post.. Be gentile haha