Moving to California need some expert advice

[Corey Engel]

Hey BP quick question for all you been-there-done-that-ers: I have small amount of money saved up and I'm trying to jump into real estate investing with OPM. I'm moving back home to California, so my question is two fold. 1) how hard is it to get started investing in out of state properties and what are some resources you could point me to? 2) if I find local properties what are some major costs with the purchasing process and has anyone done pre-auction or direct to seller home purchasing? There seems to be so many angles and advice but not sure where to start. I've heard so many success stories of people who just borrowed from friends and family and started getting enough properties to flip, cash flow, or refurb full time. I've read a dozen books but I'm looking for pragmatic advice. Thanks in advance!!