Newbie in expensive market

[John Paul]

I am brand new to all this but I am eager to get started . With that being said I live in Staten Island and have been looking to make my first investment. Problem is the numbers just aren’t working with price of homes in my area and with a 20 percent down payment . My question is I have the ability to purchase one property  all cash and that would create positive cash flow obviously. Should I go ahead with that plan or should I try a different market and if so does. Anyone have any suggestions on where to look ? Preferably driving distance maybe a couple of hours away