Investing out of state in Tampa, FL and surrounding areas

[Solomon Stavis]

Hello BP community! 

This year, my soon to be wife and I are looking to invest out of state. Our goal is to buy our first investment property in the Tampa or surrounding area. Her family lives in Lakeland FL and is also into real estate which provides some comfort.

I have a steady job and make good money but I’m quickly realizing I’ll never have financial freedom unless I take action. I’m investing out of state since I live in Washington, DC and the price to rent ratio is really low; hence my focus on Florida where there seems to be a lot more opportunity.

Since this is my first investment property, I'm debating between keeping it simple and buying a turnkey property that will help me learn the ropes or taking a bit more risk and doing a BRRR.

So wanted to reach out to this amazing and helpful community to see if you'd have suggestions, resources or advice that you've worked with before based in the Tampa or surrounding areas?

I have saved around 20K and putting 1K away each month. Hoping to take the plunge in the fall or early next spring.

Thank you!!