I'd highly recommend house hacking in your local market since you're in one of the highest cost of living areas in the US, especially if you're renting currently and planning on staying in the area for 5-10 years.It sounds sexy to go out and invest out of state for your first property.

There is an extreme accountability, which is what you must seek to better your lives.

A lot of people go in expecting these programs to completely change their lives. 

I live in Portland  Maine , I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.. thank you.

I actually live Pinellas County.  

I live in the Newark area.

It very well could become a large enough investment to be worthwhile, also solving for "unexpected emergencies ", for the most part and would an easy self management situation if you were to live onsite in one of your connected townhomes.

I was thinking maybe Houston because my boyfriend lives there and I’m there a good portion of the year as is, but I’m open to any good market.

My wife and I just closed on a duplex in Oakland, but the basement/garage was already converted into a separate living space with a bedroom and bathroom.

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