David,Yes, investing out of state can be a wise choice especially if you live in a State like CA, NY, NJ, CT where home prices are over priced and taxes are brutally high.

While you may be willing to live without heat/ac or hot water for a week.

As a CPA who lives and breathes real estate taxation, I've noticed something interesting that I want to share with the BiggerPockets community.

Not only does it have excellent potential as a house hack, but it also offers significant upside for a live-in flip.

He's lived in Japan a few years as well (Fukuoka, I believe).

Yes, at first it is hard to find renters but because of my patience, trust, perseverance and dedication, I am now living my best life and living financially free. 

I'd highly recommend house hacking in your local market since you're in one of the highest cost of living areas in the US, especially if you're renting currently and planning on staying in the area for 5-10 years.It sounds sexy to go out and invest out of state for your first property.

Quote from @Laura Yelin: Hello BP'sI like Sherman...I lived there for about 3 years many years ago and still sell and rent there.It's a slow wealth building market in my opinion, not get rich quick.Mostly blue collar stable town.

We do live an hour away from these properties and have W2 jobs.

My client's living room is completely unbalanced and odd looking because this wasn't done, which I had to hide with some fancy drapery "magic" that was expensive.