I am based in Silicon Valley and my associate is in Chicagoland. 

The Silicone Slopes and our booming economy are driving the housing demand, and our diverse workforce/job base helped Utah not get hit as hard during the last recession.

For example, what happens if you're heavily invested in Silicon Valley and the tech sector has a shift out of that area? 

I am hoping to invest close to where I live, so somewhere in and around the Silicon Valley is ideal for me.Shailaja

Investing outside of our local areas in Chicago, Silicon Valley, and Mexico does not faze us if the numbers work and the deal secure.I could go on, but suffice it to say we would be interested in partnering with individuals in this esteemed group.  

Interesting articleReal estate firm Point2 Homes looked at how much house or square footage you can buy in Phoenix, Denver, Boston, Austin and other U.S. cities. Here's what $300,000 will buy you here and in those oth...

I am also suspicious because the house is in the hot area (silicon valley bay area).How do I check that fact without screwing up my relationship with the agents?

Connecticut doesn't have the luxury of California's population growth/topography/weather/Silicon Valley critical mass to mitigate an unfriendly business climate.

I did a SFR in Silicon Valley just like this - - get the company to co-sign and it's great business.

One of the benefits of investing in your area other than the fact that you will be physically close is that, for obvious reasons, Silicon Valley is an ideal market to rent properties given the phenomenal job and income growth over the past 5-7 years.