I'd highly recommend house hacking in your local market since you're in one of the highest cost of living areas in the US, especially if you're renting currently and planning on staying in the area for 5-10 years.It sounds sexy to go out and invest out of state for your first property.

After 25 months, If they can prove that they lived in the property for two of the past five years, they can sell it as an owner-occupied residence.

It can be done but it may take years to build up cash flow especially if you live in high cost area like CA.   

Having a property management company seems to be a good option for me since I am living out of state.

I also suspect inflation will drive continued migration to lower cost of living / lower tax states.  

I actually live Pinellas County.  

In this case, you can use Rental Income from the units that you will not be living in and that income can count to help you qualify.FHA rates are going to be lower than conventional for you almost always, but FHA does have a 1.75% funding fee. 

FHA 203k wont work unless youre going to live in the property as your primary.

I live in Portland  Maine , I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.. thank you.

Greetings BP community, I recently joined a national senior care living development team.