I'll definitely be making market research and exploration a priority with the time I have.

You could explore being an agent or a role similar to that.

But I'm in Christiansburg/ Blacksburg VA area and am just exploring the area.

Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois are solid markets to explore, especially around major universities where housing demand is consistent.I’d also suggest looking into the Indianapolis market.

@Ankush R.Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Might be a good idea to explore those areas as well! 

I suggest anyone considering any type of home improvement project explore all their financing options.

Each of these markets has its pros and cons, from rising property values to varying regulations on short-term rentals.As for financing, beyond traditional mortgages, you could explore DSCR loans (especially useful for rental properties), private lending, and even seller financing.

If you have enough money to purchase something in So Cal, I'd recommend exploring the option of purchasing something elsewhere potentially in cash. 

•I manage all my properties myself.As you mentioned, I need to start exploring other developing markets.