Planning to buy a house out of state. How should I do this?

[Bryan Tasumi]

I am planning to buy a home out of state (in Houston, Texas). How should I do this? I would like to keep expenses to a minimum. Should I rent a hotel, rent a place (monthly) or other? How long should I stay and research properties? I would like to buy before the end of next year. If I am planning to buy as a primary home and rent rooms out, can I leave the house there and go back to California while I start gathering my belongings for moving? Do I have to be physically present in the house after I buy it or can I just leave it empty for as long as I want?