However, I hate the thought of putting my neck on the line for what is essentially gambling, without getting that nice monthly inflow that makes it all worth it.So, I am thinking of investing in a town about 2 hours away.

I like my northeastern neck of the woods...

:D Not to say that it doesn't require very specialized knowledge to acquire property at these numbers and it does require an active investment role, but it is still VERY possible in many markets.I understand your point about the market balancing itself, which is why so many California investors are buying in Texas, but the market in my neck of the woods is still very strong for rental property.

I don't have a lot of real estate investing experinece yet, so am still neck deep in my education phase. 

Address: 397 Little Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452Phone:(757) 473-0666Shot me an email so we can discuss your wholesaling and i can let you know what I am looking for.ThanksEric

In your neck of the woods I'd look at Vystar or Mid florida.

But that could just be my neck of the woods here around 610 north.

@Stephen Barton way to use the hustle muscles!  

@Tyrone Alcorn I was in your neck of the woods last summer visiting my Daughter and her husband who is active duty Marine @ Camp Lejeune.Seems like Jacksonville is growing and may have a large tenant base.

(REIA) If there isn't one in your neck of the woods, find one you can get to.