How to strategize and buy my first rental property

[Jenn Orio]

Hi Bigger Pockets members,

I'm a newbie investor looking to purchase my first income property this year.  I live in SoCal and as everyone knows home prices are high.  I have about $140k to invest and am debating if I should buy out of state in a lower priced market where I can have more cash flow or buy a 3-4 unit property using my 140k as my 20% down.  (It's hard to find a 3-4 unit in a decent area in the 700k price range)  If you were in my shoes, what would you do?  Open to different strategies, methods, and suggestions.  Thanks!