Where to start and buy?

[C.J. Baumann]

Thanks for taking my question: I'm new to real estate investing (no properties) and am basically building an educational foundation right now, but feel I could be ready to buy within the next 12 months. My career is going to keep me moving across the country, but my wife and I wish to settle back in Texas where we are from... until then though, we won't be there extensively except for family visits. Because we are planning to retire there (roughly 16yrs from now), should I be looking to invest mostly in Texas? My current strategy is to acquire a SFH, buy & hold, every 2-3 years. I'm also keep in mind having one PM over as many properties as possible (if possible).

Any thoughts, concerns, comments about owning property scattered across the country versus a consolidated area of the country?  Thanks again

R/S - CJ