Cold calling is a great idea to get started, but maybe try connecting with local real estate groups or online forums too—they can sometimes have off-market deals.

We just closed on a 71-unit apartment complex, our largest purchase to date.

I have experience with Quickbooks Online, and looking to learn to use Appfolio as I have heard that is a common software tool used for managing the books for REI.

With over 10 new construction projects to date. 

Definitely join your local chapter of REIA (real estate investors association) or join one of the ones that are fully online (Columbus and Cincinnati).

I've noticed that properties with virtual tours tend to get more engagement online, and investors/agents who use them often say they help attract more serious buyers and renters. 

With buyers and renters relying more on online listings, I'm curious how valuable do you find virtual tours in showcasing properties?

Quote from @Diana Teng: Hi all,I think my question above is pretty direct.I'm interested to buy my first rental property, and after doing a brief search I see that there are quite a number of places out-of-state (I live in NY state)  that offer affordable homes that deem to be in hot market areas right now (according to many different articles online). 

He can spend the next few years-ish getting a finance degree through an online school while working part time, but he just got offered a full time position helping with sales for a local wholesale real estate company. 

@Guang Yang online travel agency. i.e VRBO