I am convinced because listings sites pick markets they think make them more money to advertise.

I've used the rental calculator enough now where I think I can find a few 2-4 unit properties that can cash flow at least $100 a unit even with zero down, though the pickings be slim at any given time.

or even more.not saying you're considering going that far out but just using an example that i can speak to.my actionable step for you after picking a market would be: make a trip to that market every month and network in person. 

I've checked daily for the last year or two and its slim pickings over here!

I wish I could find someone local that I could sit down with, like the old days, and pick their brain on how to effectively edit and upload videos to YouTube.

Sounds like you just need to find a deal that makes sense.. reach out if you want to pick my brain. 

I wake up a random Tuesday am and think "yeah, paying on these notes sucks, ok, let's stop doing that" and I just send an e-mail saying payments stop.......

If you chose to go out of state, then I would be sure to pick quality locations (B class or better).

In my area (near the beach) its mostly families and they want cabanas, baby items, chairs, coolers etc that we do not provide but I have a local vendor that delivers and picks up these items and charges a few dollars per day for each item, and give me a 20% referral. 

As far as investing out of state goes, I would pick something you can drive to in 4 hrs or less.