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.

Living closer to work saves time and money.

@Ken M. we live in one, it has an attached unit, but with a door that passes through from both units.

However, it's a deal in a different state and during the Facetime showing, I could tell the tenants were gross and makes me think they don't care about taking care of the place or their living conditions.

I live in Elkhart, IN. 

Quote from @Ryan Moyer: Quote from @Nick Velez: Hey Anthony,I have a few STR's in Gainesville and have lived here for about 7 years now and know several people with STR's as well.

We live in Kihei now since the Lahaina fire destroyed our home, office and an investment condo.

It seems ridiculous, but that's the world we live in now.

Yes 1k sqft is small but probably much better than living with family.

@Tony SchmuckerYou've done great narrowing it down, but focus on cities you and your spouse would enjoy living in—numbers aren't everything.