What are the top cities to buy a duplex?

[Chris Dimoff]

Hello!

I am quite new to the real estate world and find myself in a position where I can live and work (remotely) from anywhere in the USA. I am pre-approved to ~1.2 million but can realistically only put down ~100k. 

I am 29 years old and am trying to set myself up for the future by house hacking a duplex in a city that makes sense. I am fighting the urge to "buy my dreamhouse" and instead have someone else pay a good chunk of my mortgage. 

My work is located in California so I would prefer an area that is in PST or MST timezones. I am currently in Colorado, but houses here seem even higher than other areas I have considered.

• Some cities I have considered:
  - boise
• - spokane
• - golden, colorado
• - lakewood, colorado

What cities should I be considering? Also, what might you do if you were in my situation?

Thanks! 

[Ben Scott]

@Chris Dimoff Hey Chris, I've represented and talked with several clients in large markets looking at cities like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita ... markets that are still relatively affordable and can cash flow. We've seen 10% appreciation in OKC the last 6 months - like most of the country - but this is still a market, like many others in the Midwest, where you can still achieve the 1% rule.