Hi @David Marino!
I'd recommend that you keep/start learning! This can be done through Podcasts, Books, and Mentors you find by networking. As for understanding your local market (sounds like yours might have low inventory if you're not seeing price corrections), a real estate agent should be able to provide you monthly stats like sold listings, active listings, days on market, median sales price, etc. Typically you can find an agent in whatever market you're in that is doing a youtube market update as well.
While you're still determining your next job and location, I'd pick up a copy of Set for Life by Scott Trench as it has a good framework for financial independence, especially for a newer investor. Real Estate is just a part of your total financial picture so don't become too focused on just real estate. You'll want to learn more ways to increase your income now and in the future, keep your expenses low, and take the difference to invest into assets, real estate/business.
As you already mentioned above, a house hack will probably be one of the best strategies for you to get started and take action while giving you a great return because of the low % down needed to get started. Once you get to this point, make sure to run your numbers for both while living in the house hack (lowering your living expense to less than what it would be to rent in your area) and post move out where you need to be at least break even after accounting for your monthly payment + maintenance, capex, vacancy, property management.
Here's a great resource right here on BP:
https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing/house-hacking-strategy
Best of luck getting started! Here for you with any questions you have along the way!