But it's always hard to tell up front, sometimes you just have to take a car for a test drive, so you know how it performs.. 

Spotted a small For Sale sign in the window when I was driving around looking at properties.

I am looking to buy within driving distance from NYC but obviously NYC is out of the question right now.

A lot of people start here with going to meetups groups, driving 4 dollars and when allowed in your area bandit signs good luck!

Like others are suggesting here, it’s really really really valuable to meet other like minded people.(2) build a system to find leads (search FSBO on Craigslist, drive for dollars twice a week, etc) (3) don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if the numbers don’t work or if the margins are thin (there is ALWAYS another deal to be had, think abundance!)

Vegas and Arizona happen to be within 5 hrs driving and seem to have decent appreciation so I’m thinking about investing there.

I prefer to take the longer drive up the 395 to the big mountain. 

As i was driving the town today I came across a bank local only to the area.

Here's the problem: I keep hearing two different things.I'm based in Montreal, Canda and the game here is mostly to buy distressed apartment buildings, drive-up the NOI and RE-FI (the cap is really low, so it's almost impossible to buy for CF).

Some of these areas you wouldn't want to drive around at night with your kids, much less raise your kids.