When to begin

[Travis Tindell]

I have begun my lifetime education in real estate approximately 3 months ago, and have learned a ton since. The BiggerPockets forums and podcasts have really helped me along with a bunch of reading on the side. Now that I know a bit, I feel the need to get involved or do something, but as a full time college student working part time in California I feel this may be the wrong time. 

Would I be correct in thinking that having a good job to back up any 'surprises' be the best bet (in your opinion)? My plan thus far is to look into a duplex, triplex, or quad wherever I move for college and trying to get my housing expenses fully or partially covered as well as some equity in the 2 years I will be there. However, going to a state I am unfamiliar with and trying to buy a house seems risky at best. 

I guess what I am looking for is affirmation that I am going along the right path. I do not want to be a 'tire-kicker,' but I also don't want to be a bankruptcy-at-22-er. How would you go about researching an area out of state for an investment like this (I don't know where I am going yet), and what would you do in the mean time? I will be leaving in approximately 1 year. Thank in advance and feel free to ask for more information.