Moving overseas for military but want my first property

[Teho Kim]

I have a problem and would love the insight of anyone who can pitch in.

I have been selected to go to Japan for the military and will be there for 3-ish years starting in September 2019. Prior to that, I'll be in Altus Oklahoma. I want to get my first investment property but don't know if this is a good idea. Should I invest in cities close to Altus, or can I really just pick any in the US? I also feel that it may be unwise to invest long distance b/c you won't be able to see the property itself.

Please note that all my concerns are founded on my beginner mentality, and I would love to be proven wrong and that this is a great idea!

I am definitely motivated and I've ordered the biggerpocket's Long Distance Real Estate Investing book.