USMC Vet getting into REI

[Joshua Smith]

Hello everyone!

I am new to this app and I'm overall very excited that I found this blog. I am very new to the game, and already finding great info on how to get started. I am looking for any type of useful opinions on how to start investing or hearing of any what to do's/ what not to do when it comes to Realestate. 

A little bit about myself..

Spent the past 10 years on and off in the Middle East and decided it's time to focus on making money back in America. My wife and I bought a condo in Laguna Niguel, ca that we currently live in, but will eventually rent out. I plan on growing with more properties over time, but am unsure about investing too much in Ca and was looking at places like TX or FL because of the overall cost. Is it too risky to invest out of state for a newby like myself?

Are there any good books or any good advice I could get from someone? Right now I'm reading "Millionaire Real Estate Investor" by Gary Keller. I would really appreciate any type of info that could help me get started.