New Investor Learning and Preparing for First Purchase

Hello. I am a long-time W2 employee, looking to pivot to real estate investing with other pursuits to gain more time freedom. I am open to almost anywhere from an investment standpoint, but am focusing right now on the idea of an owner occupied/rental duplex between the Bay Area and Washington to get my feet wet. I guess that's a house hack of sorts? Lots to learn and I look forward to engaging with the BP community and learning from all of these wonderful resources.

Bryan