I would recommend to buy in your local market for your first property... but I also realize every market is different and might not be affordable or the best solution. 

Do they have the necessary resources to stay on top of all the tax issues such as 1031 exchanges, 754 Step-Ups, etc.Feel free to send me a private message if you have any questions here.A couple articles you can read that will be helpful:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1206189-cost-...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1204912-how-t...

Few questions- to afford a $1M home you must have had good salary - who was the bread winner between you and your ex?

I am based in Texas and I understand that there is a lot of affordable duplexes in Westmoreland County for a low as $90,000 on Zillow.If you are looking to House Hack like @Madison Stoner  I recommend you interview some local Investor Minded Real Estate Agent and hire the one you feel most comfortable with.

Condos were built by a lot of cheap scumbags who are long gone and people are going to be left holding the bag on these.This guy is pretty good at explaining it:  Yak Motley Florida Condos;t=4s

@Alex ThomsenThe standard NC contract (2-T) has two different deposit options.

Sherman is more affordable but faces rising prices.

Do they have the necessary resources to stay on top of all the tax issues such as 1031 exchanges, 754 Step-Ups, etc.Feel free to send me a private message if you have any questions here.A couple articles you can read that will be helpful:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1206189-cost-...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/1204912-how-t...

At a bare minimum, I'd have a T-12 and rent roll for the property, together with your current property analysis, future cash flow projection, and an exit strategy or two.

@Alina T.