Fear of buying outside of your local area

[Stephen Lynch]

Hello,

I live in Virginia Beach where it's not the easiest to find cash flowing properties (homes are expensive, rent is fairly low). I'm considering purchasing outside of Virginia but I currently have a fear of the unknown.

1) Having to find a broker, agent, property manager, etc. 

2) Finding a location that I can confidently buy and rent. In VB, I know the neighborhoods, rental costs, etc. 

Has anyone dealt with this before/how did you get over it?

Thanks, 
Stephen