I started my Career in Lake County Ca. and half that county burned down over the last 10 years.. probably 2k homes got destroyed so not as epic as say the fires in Napa and Sonoma. 

However, given the price points in NYC, I am looking to southern CT so that I can start small for my first project.

I set these base rates a year in advance, knowing that prices increase from Jan to Feb to Mar to April, and then decrease starting in May in the desert environment of Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, CA. 

I would start close to where you live personally. 

If you’re thinking about diving in, I say go for it—but maybe don’t start by living in a closet.

In Chicago you request a CHA Burden sheet and that gross number minus utility allowance will be what you get in addition to making sure bedroom size is adequate.  

It's never too late to start investing @Raul Velazquez!

Starting from my backyard I'm looking to connect with some vets in the industry and familiar to the area/market.

I bought several multi-family this way and negotiated financing terms that were better than the bank.Cody Davis started investing at 19.

I understand this is a good way to become financially secure over time and am eager to start.