I grew up in the DC area, so I know what you mean when you say it's pricey...I think house hacking can still be done in that area.

I am also biased towards the Hampton Roads area over Richmond.I grew up in Hampton Roads and know that market fairly better than I do about Richmond (I didn’t spend too much personal time there).Hampton Roads does have a lot of little gems.

@Alexander Vasquez I had a friend who grew a beard to combat this situation.

I grew up next door in Manchester, which is a good little rental market IMO.I believe that @Scott Hollister is still hosting a monthly meet up in the area.

Most will preach “Invest in what you know.”I invest in the panhandle of Florida because I live there and Akron, OH because I grew up there.

My wife and I had a bit of a 'culture shock' when we went from a high rise in River North to our first investment property in Irving Park...but we eventually grew to really love Irving Park and found a ton of great local restaurants, etc.  

A few friends know him and grew up with his family so I am a bit more comfortable investing with him. 

Hi Account Closed, I grew up in Santa Ynez and am very familiar with Lompoc.

I grew up watching/helping my parents rent and flip vacation homes, and I have two properties under my belt--one was a success, one was not! 

When I was in 9th grade I took a career test to see what I wanted to do when I grew up.