How to pick a farm?

[Dale Lessick]

The PB guide for beginners says we should pick an area "within a short driving distance to your home, rather than investing long distance (unless your location makes it impossible)." Other investors have suggested similar advice and, aside from convenience, my comfort level with the area will be important. However, when I say where my backyard is, several have said maybe I should look further. My neighborhood houses sell for a min of $500k (median is >800k) and rent for only 2500-3000/mo. To get the best return on my marketing time and expense, am I still best to stay or travel? If I travel, I would look for a neighborhood with what kind of prices and rents? And what is an "impossible" location?