@Drew Sygit I'm not local, I don't see how that would work?

We have been trying to decided which asset class will be best for us in our local market (Willamette Valley, OR).

Saying hello, and looking forward to hearing from anyone else who also local to my city. 

Router router is pricier than the local guy. 

Don't forget that you should be networking at some local real estate meetup groups.

Highly suggest attending local meet ups and picking everyone's brain at those events.

Lots of great folks there in all stages of their investing that would be able to give you some great local advice.

I would highly suggest that you tune in to the BiggerPockets Podcast and attend your local REI meetups.

But, it's critical to evaluate the state of the local market, your capacity for managing several properties, and the possibility for cash flow.If you see great potential for long-term appreciation and are okay with the higher property price, option 2 can be a good course of action.

I generally like local options!