What gets you to the point of actually getting on a flight to see it in person?

I think it would obviously be more of a challenge to do the renovations for those of us from the US than the other buyers from the EU who can be there in a short couple hour flight. 

I would set up meeting with email correspondence before I book the flights.

Even though we might have been able to start investing long distance without an initial flight out there, we are glad we did it.

Also, since you're buying not only out of state, but on the other side of the country (long flight!) 

The best place to meet people who would be interested in something like this would be . . . your local REIA meeting, a real estate meetup of any sorts, or of course here on Bigger Pockets (plus a flight or two, haha).But for real, your local REIA meetings would be a goldmine for this. 

I have a flexible schedule that allows me to fly around as needed and I have chosen my markets in part because I get cheap flights any given day to get to them. 

No, I am a flight Nurse by trade.

I'm most inclined to buy in CA, AZ, or TX, as they are an easy flight away, but open to other suggestions as well.

And you'll get "free" airport lounge access to make your flights more comfortble :DAnyways, aAlthough I would have a slight idea what to do with $500k, you may have different ideas/preferences/etc.I'd just try out a few things, and stick to whatever you like to do (dip your toe).