Seeking Advice For First Time Home Buyer

[Gideon Pfeffer]

Hi Bigger Pockets Family,

I started getting interested real estate this past year. I've read a few books, listened to a ton of online podcast material, and got my California real estate license. Despite this, I have not yet purchased any properties.

I currently live in San Francisco, but my lease ends in ~6 months. With remote work becoming more prevalent at my company, I'm considering moving out of state and buying my own place towards the end of the year. I've read long distance Real Estate Investing by David Greene, but still feel a bit in over my head.

My hope is to live in the property for a few years, then potentially convert it to an investment and move elsewhere. I have a decent idea about what I'm looking for from a price, style, and location standpoint, but still feel somewhat overwhelmed by needing to find an agent, getting pre-approved for lending, the competitive market, and the thought of buying a place I have not yet seen.

Anyone have advice? Thanks a ton in advance!