I travel a lot, and am wondering are there any special rules I need to abide by if I wanted to tackle a deal out of state.

You already have a good concept of where you need to be focusing your efforts when getting started: Networking and Educationposting in the forums like you've already done is gonna be a great way for you to tackle the networking aspect, and BiggerPockets has a lot of great educational resources (books, bootcamps). 

This becomes particularly relevant when you aim to tackle larger rehab projects.2) The size/scope of the rehab.

So I will be blessed with a pension that covers my living expenses, so looking at tackling the world of real estate investing.

The city has tackled some massive projects to change the cities waterfront access and we have some big companies like Amazon and Market Basket operating new locations in the city.

Finding a mentor can be a great way to get feet on the ground real estate experience and build your confidence for when you are ready to tackle the industry on your own.  

Also check with the lender on where you are today (how many mortages) and tackling 2-3 more mortgages will/might crush your DTI and you have to go DSCR route for loans.  

@Jimmy Mozingo Partnering is a great way to combine forces and tackle the issue together, splitting resources and effort.

That being said I have a  punch-list of things that need to be done that I'll tackle little by little this year. 

As in, would tackle some pretty ambitious projects on our own if we have the time!