I am not apposed to invest out of state, but,  as a first time investor, I feel as though it is harder to pick a property without knowing the area--e.g., the good and bad areas of town. 

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.

With that said pick your neighborhoods carefully and understand that just because it's cheaper than Brooklyn it doesn't mean it's a good deal.  

Look what 2 mil will buy in most any other market.And as you age you start to appreciate less leverage more paid off things and making sure your personal resi if not paid for is very inexpensive to own compared to if you had to go buy like kind in todays market.that all said I picked up my new Tesla Monday and LOVE IT>

The difference can be $5-$10k different for this priced range home.If he provides complete rehab, and you can pick-up for $90k, then you should be able to charge top rental value.  

It is ridiculous that they pick on the stain on the ceiling and wall. 

I'm interested in picking up some additional properties. 

EX: Partner, Lend privately first, Buy a property a year, etcConnections are key  when getting started, so reach out to anyone actively doing what you want to do in real estate and meet up with them, pick their brain.

Not picking on you but there ws some homework you didn't do along the way and I would bet he was not the most expensive guy.

Read books on investing in real estate, listen to the podcasts, attend webinars and stay active on the forums while connecting with other investors in your area and pick a niche.