You can invest in any market selecting the ones that you believe are seeing the most growth, and do it from anywhere.

Here’s a 10-step process to get started with out-of-state real estate investing:Research and Select a Market:Identify markets with strong economic fundamentals, job growth, population growth, and potential for real estate appreciation.Consider factors like rental demand, vacancy rates, and local landlord-tenant laws.

BiggerPockets has a section just for this, Under the BUILD YOUR TEAM tab- then select- MEET UPhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521

Your questions cover a wide territory.

They should have designations of education and experience as an example.That will put you in a very select company right there and you should be good to go! 

We are trying to fill in a rather wide wealth gap

I wish I had better news for you, but it is a wide spread problem from my experience.  

For example every week I see listings with bedrooms less than 7' wide.

Selectively choose deals that align with your investment box for your own portfolio.

.$257.57 Technivorm Moccamaster 10 cup coffee maker - https://www.amazon.com/Technivorm-Moccamaster-53923-Select-J...Here is another special kinda appliance.