I'm not far from Dallas and am thinking about expanding into that area over the next couple of years.

Have you thought about expanding to North Texas?

Thinking about expanding into the local Washington market.

I am excited about expanding to this area 

I usually find these guys by posting a job with limited scope - drywall and paint in a house, a bathroom remodel, something like that, and then see about expanding the relationship once they do good work.

That's why I'm here, to learn about expanding my investment portfolio with enough time to make an informed decision.

I'm actively looking to expand my understanding so overtime I can be confident about expanding my investments. 

AB 1506 is about expanding rent control to newer buildings, single family houses/condos etc.

When I think about expanding my location parameters a bit into NJ (because I might end up there in a few years) the picture gets a little better, but it's still somewhat intimidating since I don't have any local knowledge and I don't know where I'll end up exactly.

You said you were starting your own business, not asking about expanding an existing businesses.