Should my first rental be close to my current residence?

[Nancy Le]

Hi BPF! I've heard that my first rental property should be close to home so it's easier to manage.  Ideally I would like a duplex where I could live in one part and rent out the other part for my 1st rental. That is not a necessity as I do have a place to stay if I can capitalize on the duplex and rents out both apartments.  I currently reside in Philly Pa which is a sellers market right now.  Would it be wise for me to take advice from the different Podcast and YouTube videos that I have seen to invest in other areas?  Any and all feedback is always greatly appreciated. Thank you!

~Nancy Le