If I were new I would simply stick to areas close to where I live.

Even if buying a property Subto in GA and you live in FL, you could miss something and the whole deal does a "crash and burn".

Hello - I'm new to Bigger Pockets, excited to get my real estate investment journey going.I own a Condo in Chicago with a friend of mine (split 50/50), which I've lived in for about 5 years.

I won't be able to make the cottage legal rental without living in the primary home myself.

One thing that DSCR is not really set up for is if the property is "Subject to" meaning not move in ready/live able.

Real estate investing has been a passion of mine for time with my mother also having invested early on where I likely have gotten the love and desire to follow similar foot steps.I have taken last 6 months to educate myself and currently own a single family home as primary residence and would like to expand to multi family properties (2-4 units) for additional stream of income, not to mention potential tax benefits for long-term investing.Based on current living situation, I have a fair amount of equity established in my primary residency along with having enough cash to either pay off house completely or use towards investing in a multi family property.Given that I'm the sole source of income for our household with my wife being the home maker for our two kids under 2, trying to weigh out risks with getting started now or perhaps waiting. 

I'm still flipping but I do live ins so only 1 every couple years, mostly San Jose.

Anything to make living there a nuisance. 

I previously lived in this property and never locked myself out of my room so I never looked nor do I even know if I have a key for the bedroom door.

Hello Meir,I live and invest in Birmingham area, please DM to connect!