INVEST IN SEATTLE AREA WITH 30K OR GO OOS

[Jereck Galloway]

My grandmother had just passed and left me 30k. I've studied REI since I was a senior in HS and know the basics of REI. for the moment I am unemployed because I had to take care of her until her passing and now I am debating on how I should invest. the Seattle area is very expensive and 30k won't go far with cash so I would have to get a loan and go back to being a pool boy to house hack or BRRRR in my local area but I really hate working for other people. my 2nd option is to look out of state and find something i can purchase with 30k cash and the get hard money for rehabbing. im really stuck and don't want to throw away my Grandmothers legacy so I would really appreciate any advice on what you would do in my situation, thank you all!

[Brian G.]

@Jereck Galloway imo you are focusing on the wrong thing right now. Your focus should be on increasing your income which will make REI much much easier as it's very difficult to get lending otherwise. Bank the $30k for now. If you really want to invest in RE as your full time source of income one day, consider working in the industry in an area of interest that will help you knock out 2 birds with 1 stone: you can increase your income AND get valuable experience that will payoff in the future. Options: construction, electrician, plumbing, painting, REA, property management, etc. To answer your question specifically, local is generally safer. Research the House Hacking strategy, it's a great place to begin investing. Consider reading "Set for Life" by @Scott Trench if you haven't already.