Start by networking at local meetups and connecting with investors, agents, and property managers.

My dilemma has been that I've gotten a little behind on some revolving debt that selling this property now could eliminate in addition to giving me cash on hand to trade into some better value or start a new construction duplex project I've been wanting to start.

Probably starting out small Jaycee - SF or maybe some smaller duplex type properties.

Investor in California here trying to diversify my portfolio and start investing in a different state.  

When it’s sold I’ll post the entire journey start to finish with numbers.

There was positive population growth, medium home price growth, low unemployment, good rent to home ratios, and low crime, all of which are factors when I start looking into an area to invest in.  

I say start there, exhaust your local efforts before jumping toward "shiny things" and unknown markets, persons etc.. 

I’d love to learn from anyone who has worked in this space or has insights into getting started.

Start with BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free).

You are off to a good start being on Bigger Pockets.