Out of State RE Investing

[Jared Aquino]

For those of you who buy and hold rental real estate out-of-state, how did you narrow your search area to the market(s) that you are currently investing in? 

I currently reside in Southern California and am looking to buy and hold cash flowing rentals out of state, but I'm unfamiliar with markets outside of California. With 49 other states and a countless number of cities/towns in each, finding a market to even begin analyzing deals is daunting.

Some have advised reaching out to people who currently live or are familiar with an out-of-state market, but my network is limited to California.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!