Two part question:

#1. I live on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. The wife and I currently work two full time jobs. I am so interested in REI its been consuming me lately. The fact is that the market here in the state is way to expensive for our budget. Completly rundown homes that need complete makeovers are going for 300-400k. I notice that alot of properties in other states are within our budget to be able to comfortably purchase an Investment property while still being able to paydown our primary residences loan. Would anyone be able to share any insight on out of state investment property startegies. I realize every state has their own laws regarding everything.

#2. My plan is to have my primary paid off in 8-10 years. I also understand the REM is on the higher end today. Would it be smarter to be patient. Wait til its paid off and hope the market is in a down turn, than purchase in my own county. 

P.S Im 30 years old. I have another 20 years in my career before I can retire.  The wife even longer probably 25 years. Im hoping that Real Estate Investing can set us up so the wife and I can retire together, travel and send our 2 children to whatever education they decide to pursue. At the very least be able to give them each a property when its all said and done. Aloha!