New Investor- Strategy Critique?

[Account Closed]

Hello! Full disclosure I am newnew but have been wanting to do this for a long time. Looking for a critique or suggestions on my plan…so Im looking to buy my first rental and looking out of state (not sure where exactly) since things are so high here in CA. My strategy is to stay where I am- I moved into my parents house to start saving my income (I am employed FT and freelance) and use as capital and I am also in the middle of trying to sell my marital home but having issues finding a buyer. My plan is to use the profit I will walk away with from the marital home and all I have saved by living with my family to go in with. I’m ok with distressed- as Im confident I can keep reno cost ultra low Or should I look for turn key first?  BUT Because it is taking forever to sell my old house should I wait or reach out to a hard money lender to fund my first property? As you can see I am a complete noob and still trying to understand lending practices. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Phew 😮‍💨 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Account Closed:

My go-to critique: don't count your chickens before they hatch.

You're making plans on how you'll spend the money from your home sale, but you haven't sold it yet.

Focus on finding a market to invest in. Look for a state with fair Landlord - Tenant laws, a promising growth projection, good schools, etc. Then start evaluating various cities to find one that meets your criteria for cash flow, appreciation, or whatever your goals are. By the time you sell your home, you should have narrowed in on a few markets and can start looking for an agent to help you find deals.