The biggest thing you should do is figure out which market you are trying to invest in and do some heavy research in that area.

Biggest thing IMO is getting close to the train station and have a high quality units that may not look attractive on paper the first few years but will have the ability to raise rents consistently long term. 

If not, you are going to get pitched and sold and DM'd before you even know what's going on.Bay Area investors invest all over the US, but you don't want to just pick a random market because someone in an internet forum told you to.

It's not the data or the asset classes; it's you.You are often your biggest roadblock.Considering this and looking at your journey differently, you can break the stalemate.If you are new and want advice, you must be open to ALL advice, not just the kind that supports your first idea or asset class.

Biggest thing is to make sure there is egress out of the basement sleeping area. 

My biggest concern with this market is that it is very limited compared to many other larger markets. 

I think my biggest worry is that buying an investment property before buying a primary home would affect how lendable I will be when that time comes for the latter. 

Watch Grant Cardone's youtube videos on, "The Biggest Mistake You'll Ever Make."

@Jason Mead the ones that made the biggest imapact were rich dad poor dad, millionaire real estate investor, and Dave Lindahls Multi Family Millions.

The biggest things to compare: location, beds/baths, square footage, quality.Keep in mind, there may be ten other homes priced at $1800, but that doesn't mean they actually rent for that price.