Where to move/invest?

[Ignacio Perez Losada]

Hello everyone, first time posting, so bare with me!.

My name is Jay and I just discovered this jewel called biggerpockets, what an amazing source of knowledge and resources. I thought I'd introduce myself and share my situation real quick.

I'm 39 y.o, live in Denver (renting a 1b apartment) and work in aviation, which takes me away from home 2 weeks at the time, but allows me to be 2 weeks home at the time. Until now, my salary was not too high, but it jumped into the six figures, and it should keep going up due to experience, new assignments, etc.... so I can't help start thinking about taxes and how to start being smart about my finances.

After doing some research, it seems pretty clear that real state is the way to go. But Denver seems a bit expensive right now.

I would like to buy my first house, but I don't know if I should move to a different state where it'd be easier and mroe affordable?. The initial idea would be to buy a single family, maybe a duplex, and start house hacking, saving a bit more, learning the ropes, and eventually if things work and prices go up, get it refinanced and buy another property with that money?. I'm sure I sound super rookie but I'm learning a ton everyday, there's so much information out there.

Short term goal, live for "free" in order to save and keep investing. Long term goal, create wealth and financial freedom.

Too abstract? lol. In my job, it's all about getting the right heading/speed and altitude, but when it comes to real state, I don't even know where the runway is!.

First I need to decide where to move. Ideas?. I can live literally anywhere, my job takes care of my commute.


Thank you everyone.
Jay P.