I'm pretty green too, but learning is a great first step.

Welcome Nate Green !!

there's certainly down psycological comfort in having a property that we can drive too, but after reading @David Greene's book on long distance investing, it almost seems silly to only focus on areas we can drive to.looking out of state also opens up so many markets that it feels overwhelming. just looks for some advice, suggestions or even just to hear a few stories on how some of you narrowed your search.

@Eric Schwake You've already received a ton of great advise from @Brian Eastman and clarification from @Robyn Green. 

If you are looking to invest out of state I highly suggest reading, "Long-Distance Real Estate Investing" by David Greene.

If anything in the past was done incorrectly, once they're in there for inspections, you may be obligated to fix old issues that you could have otherwise gotten away with ignoring.NJ DCA Filing - Properties that are 3-units and above require a "green card" from the NJ DCA, which requires an initial registration + inspection as well as an inspection every 5 years.

I am not going to lie, without the help of the podcasts and books I probably would not have built up the courage to go forward with making this deal happen since it is out of state, but when you feel prepared and knowledgeable anything is possible. ( Big thanks to David Greene for this !!

Therefore I’ve decided to take the David Greene approach and invest out of state but again I’m not sure if that’s the right move while starting out. 

Get title insurance, and definitely get a survey after all other things are a green light but before you close.

I’m finally in a place financially where I can start diving in on my own, so I’m looking for any input on local HML’s that are willing to work with a relatively green investor and that others have had good luck with.