First Time Investor Questions?

[Jonathan Dawkins]

Good Afternoon BP, 

First of all thank you for all of the knowledge and information you guys post. With that being said, I am buying my first property in Baltimore, MD. I lived there for two years but due to work i am currently located in Los Angeles, CA. I have enough saved for a property under 110k with a 20-25 percent down payment.  I am only interested in multi-families. 

I look at properties on real estate sites like zillow, redfin, etc. 

I am at a point where I am stuck. Should I speak with banks first to see what I can get pre-approved for and then find a house . Or find the house then speak with banks? 

With being an out of state investor will I have to speak to banks in Maryland or will banks out of state be willing to invest? 

If there are any experience real estate agents that can guide me through the process please feel free to reach put. 

Thank you,