What criteria do you follow when looking for a deal?

[Kelsay Ann Richards]

Hi everyone! 

I've been studying real estate investing for a couple of months now (read "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and it changed me forever, as it has everyone else) and I'm looking to purchase my first deal before the end of the year. 

The thing is... I'm a travel nurse; this is obviously wonderful as I have a great DTI and the capital for a down payment, but I'm feeling lost when doing my deal analyses as to where I should purchase first... I'm originally from Utah, and I feel that because I'm the most familiar with that area, that purchasing a property there first would be ideal. However, I'm just not sure where to start as far as what I'm looking for, so... What do YOU look for when you're looking for a rental property deal? How do you narrow down your search? Do you typically try to stay within your area in which you live to purchase properties or do you venture outside your state?

Any and all advice is welcomed and appreciated. :) 

Thank you in advance! 

Kelsay Richards