Our book brought out the competition in droves. 

I have read the book on long distance investing and still am not too confident to get started.

Read a book, or even a blog like this one:  Application Screening GuideIf the landlord had called the previous landlord (me) they would have immediately denied her."

Each note is reviewed individually and most note buyers will provide quotes once the transaction has closed, recorded, and the first payment made. 

I have been reading and listening to real estate investing books everyday for a while now and it is something i want to pursue. 

Buy some books and start learning how to manager your property now.

There are towns that are not too far where there could be some options for you, but I would start going to real estate investor meetups and pair that with books and podcasts.

Important resources(articles, books, podcasts) to review?

For instance, the area closest to Disney is actually less saturated and has many homes that can be renovated to a high standard and will book well.A bit further from Disney, in newer communities such as Solara, Windsor at Westside, Windsor Island and others, you can find deals in this market.

Pick up a solid RE book and apply it to todays market.