I am also active with Flips and own a few 4 plexes...Im a licensed NM Realtor would be happy to help set up a few searches, look at properties (Virtually as well), and tell you more about specific areas of town with the pro's and con's of each. 

I hope that helps you. 

I was thinking if I can do creative finance with seller finance deals this may be a way to help me get where I want to be.

(Doing this one well should help you with the following two.)The second would be to invest in your education on how real estate investing works.

HELP Me find lawyer!!!!

@Zach Lemaster and his team was super helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable which ensured a super smooth purchasing process!

Still lots of work to do on the house and the “book” I still have to figure out what to do for it (paper/digital/both), and a few more things I probably am not yet aware of … reading on this forum and asking questions sure has helped out a lot.

For active investing it is also helpful to have some type of advantage that sets you apart from other investors - that could be construction or rehab skills, market knowledge or anything else that gives you an edge.I was an active investor and didn't really have any of those skills.  

Yes, the ITC is and was very helpful. 

The biggest hurdle to investing out of state is building your team to buy and manage the property, a good local investment agent would help connect you with the right people.