Long Overdue... 1st Home Purchase

[Bryan K.]

Hey guys I have been in the market for 2 years now across US/Japan. I've primarily taken past 8 months off as I was dealing with moving to new city/company. 

Now life is settled down and I am looking to reembark on the journey. I would like to buy SFH (haven't really looked into anything else) that I could see myself living in down the road --unlikely to happen in the next 15 years. If I could find something that was close to cash flow neutral.. I would be looking at something up to $2.5million. I have spoken to lender and amount is fine. The main issue I've come across is that everything in this price range would be cash flow negative. I would be comfortable to some degree as this would just be a saving plan of sorts. But depending on the magnitude that home price range would have to go lower.

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts. Some of the main questions I would have are:

1. Are there any markets that will have SFHs in the $1.5-$2.5mln range that would be cash flow neutral or close to it? I have preferences but not set on any market in particular. I do have preferences ie close to beach/lake, no state tax (limited but if possible). 

2. Given the general importance placed on cash flow, is my line of thinking incorrect and therefore should buy something cheaper or look more into duplex etc?

3. More broadly, would be great to connect with local experts on this forum.