Hello Bigger Pockets Community!

I’m originally from Northern California, but currently live and work in Monterey.   

I’ve always been interested in investing in real estate, but never really took any steps towards it.  I just got back from a two month trip through South America, and essentially got a taste of what financial freedom could feel like.  

I don’t have much free time, but have the salary, capital, and no serious personal obligations, to start putting some serious effort and money into real estate.  I’ve been binge listening to the Bigger Pockets podcast, and doing as much research as I can.  

Buying locally isn’t really an option for investing.  I’m currently trying to decide on a location on where I should start, since I’ll be an out of town investor.  I’m also trying to decide if I want to start with a few single families, or a multi unit.  I also have a long term friend looking to split a down payment on a larger multi unit property.  

Any tips for the decision making process? My current plan is to just buy the first good deal I find, that makes sense financially.