New here, could use some advice!

[Austin Holshey]

Hi everybody, I have recently gone head first into all things real estate I found the podcast and was immediately hooked. I've listened to probably 15+ podcasts in the last few days and I'm currently in the middle of Josh and Brandons new "How to invest in real estate: the ultimate begginers guide to getting started". I am an obsessive type as you can tell, I like to answer my own questions through research in order to avoid looking stupid or lazy so I am really here for whoever can give me some solid advice. I began to dive into the BRRRR strategy and thought that was going to be my thing but like many beginners when I heard about wholesaling I became very interested. I already kindof know what I want to do to generate leads and find possible deals im just in a bit of an odd location situation. I am currently active duty Air Force stationed in Del Rio Texas, as I have been reading and absorbing information I have been planning on starting my REI career/hobby when I get back to my hometown of Melbourne Florida. I know quite a bit about the housing market in Melbourne thanks to my parents and growing up there know what areas are higher to lower income. I realized this morning though that I have the ability to start sooner if I were to possibly look for deals in San Antonio Texas since it's about 2 hours from me. The more I learn the more I want to actually get started so is it worth it for me to learn what I can about San Antonio and start searching for deals there or is there a way I can complete deals in Melbourne? The Melbourne option seems unrealistic because I feel like to be taken seriously I should be at closing and I feel like I have to be. There are a few pros and cons for both in my eyes but I'm only a few days into this so you guys might think I'm overthinking this. Any advice is extremely appreciated I love this community, thank you!

[Ned Carey]

@Austin Holshey generally the best deals tend to go to those that know the market the best. 

Lots of people worry about being taken seriously for one reason or another. Often they are concerned for the wrong reasons. Being at closing has nothing to do with being taken seriously. Perhaps just the opposite. The most successful investors don't have time to go to settlements and they are done via express mail. 

On your first deal it will be obvious that you are new. Don't worrry about it. No one cares if you are new or successful, they only care if you are able to close the deal.