Equity earns 0% interest (inflation will destroy your purchasing power) your real estate investment will Appreciate or Crash regardless of how much down payment you put on your home.

Hello all, my husband(42) and I(36) are brand new real estate investors.

For someone new to real estate investing that wants to do long term rentals, do you recommend starting off in an area close to them/an area they're familiar with or someplace that will give them the best return even if it's out of state. 2.

Probably better to post in the Buying & Selling Real Estate Forum.Without details, hard to answer the question.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

I am considering the pros/cons of doing this without a property manager or real estate agent. 

I suspect you'll have to look at Florida real estate in a similar way.

Getting into real estate has been a game changer for us financially and something I have grown to love. 

How does a Master Lease Agreement work, is that a good way too start in Commercial Real Estate?

Networking with local wholesalers and real estate agents who specialize in investment properties can also lead to off-market opportunities.