As an investor, I focus on Columbus, Ohio, which has been booming, especially with tech giants like Intel, Meta, Amazon, and Google expanding there.

I quit my job in tech a couple of months ago and I'm excited to pivot into real estate investing. 

I do not go after properties that cannot support both sides of the equation: appreciation + cash flow = wealth.I really like the idea of using a HELOC because it is essentially a giant credit card. 

We did get negotiate money from them to help with roof repair, but now know they were not honest on their disclosure.Our inspector missed code violations, HVAC issues, pipes that had been worked on and issues hidden that had occurred while sellers lived in the house, signs of drainage and water damage inside the house that had been painted over, completely blocked dryer vent...and we are finding more daily.We have had the house looked at by a structural engineer and HVAC techs that has told us we need thousands (likely tens of thousands) of dollars worth of repairs to make this property able to rent and come up to code for rental. 

There has been significant growth, especially with tech giants like Intel, Meta, Amazon, and Google setting up operations (2 data centers), driving up property prices and job opportunities.

Better schools and the economy is backed by the 2nd largest university in the nation along with a growing tech and manufacturing sector. 

Hi, I have been on Biggerpockets and reading all the information i can get.We are getting ready to buy our first out of state investment property and looking in Austin.Looking for advise on which area is better, RR looks to be closer to the tech offices and some parts have great schools however Pflugerville is not too far either and schools are not abysmal like in proper Austin and the prices are lower.

@Andy OkamotoOne cautionary note: if your idea of "cash flow" is $10K in net operating income, $120K before taxes in your pocket every year off your rental property, well, if it happens to you in 10 years, it will be a low-probability event with a lot of lucky breaks and eventually will likely ruin your life when you make a misstep because you assumed your lucky break was the norm.If you're serious about moving out here, at least look at the Pittsburgh area and its proximity to Carnegie Mellon (tech) and UPMC (health care).

Columbus is a solid choice, especially with its growing tech scene which is a great market for appreciation, but Cleveland and Dayton are great too for cash flow.

Cabinet giant has RTA cabinets that are nice and cheap.