I live in SWFL and work in the commercial insurance field as an agent/advisor.

This will give you a clear idea of your budget and make you a more attractive buyer.Continuous Learning:Stay Informed: Real estate is an ever-changing field.

A robust medical community also. 50%+ of the population here are renters. 

An experienced entrepreneur in the same field has offered a partnership, planning to invest $25,000 with a projected $50,000 profit.

I've taken few trips back to Virginia and I met tens of people in the REI field.

I am a busy medical professional and don't have the time to try and find off market deals and also don't have the time to constantly peruse the MLS looking for deals.

No matter where you choose to move, you are perfectly set up (if the money works) to house hack with your wife in one unit of a two-family and then to mid-term rent the other unit because of your medical connections.

@Austin Fowler is in your area and even has a group of like-minded investors there in SF and many are in IT/Engineering fields. 

I do have those who show up stating “but my cats are clean” or “it was only one eviction” which I just say no, but I’ve also had those who may be slightly off income but have a qualified co-signer, or a lower credit score but it was for a medical bill or student loan, and they worked out well.

Medical/physician programs are typically best for primary or investment purchases..check in with @Joseph Chiofalo he is a national lender and refinance savant that's worked closely with me for over two decades.