Starting Out -- Seeking Guidance on Out-Of-State Investing

[Karrie Jeffries]

Long time lurker, first time poster. Very green to real estate investing with no tangible experience, but I've a general idea of the direction I *think* I would like to go in to reach my financial freedom goals. 

Currently, I live in Seattle, WA (stationed here as active military), and rent in the South Lake Union area. Homes prices in Seattle and the surrounding suburbs are exorbitant -- either out of my reach financially, or so far on the outskirts of of town that I can't imagine they'd be a high demand rental. (Seattle agents -- correct me if I'm wrong!)

For that reason, I'm seriously considering investing in a market out of state by purchasing a SFH as a rental opportunity. Plan would be to hold long-term and rent out -- immediate cash flow isn't too much of a concern to me, as I would be more interested in long-term appreciation. I would still plan to rent in Seattle, and then potentially use my VA loan to get a second property which would be my primary residence wherever I get stationed next.

What I am hoping to do is connect with someone who would be willing to povide some guidance on a course of action for how to get started in an out of state market, and strategies on how to choose a location. I've done some research into what markets may be good to invest in -- TX, TN, OH etc -- but honestly as a layman, it's pretty tough to pull the trigger and get out of that "analysis paralysis." 

Any guidance or suggestions on where to start would be greatly appreciated!