Newbie RE-want-to-be from Bay Area, CA

[Linda S.]

Hi everyone,
I've a network test engineer for over a decade. I've always fascinated about investing and want to learn ways to invest, but never really had a enough time or energy. I am having more time now as my kids are being more efficient, so I've been following the RE market for a few months and I am really excited to obtain my first rental property, but I am still missing a lot of the know-hows. So thanks to all the wonderful folks who share info here.
I know the basic of property analysis. I am in the Bay Area, and with my limited knowledge, don't see how it would work around here. So, now I know I might need to do out-of-state. Will try to read as much as I can from BP. Any guidance appreciated.