@Lily Styler try checking out Jonathan at triangle-Radon.com.

And here:  https://www.smartertravel.com/bad-neighborhoods-new-orleans-warnings-dangers/Note where it says, "Gang violence has increased in the 6th District, which includes Central City, the Garden District, Hoffman Triangle, Irish Channel, Touro, and Zion City, where there have been shootings and homicides. 

I have been attending the Triangle RIA (Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh) for educational courses, I'm working here right now (but I live in Greensboro) and getting my education in like you are, trying to listen to every podcast, read every book.

I have also heard of people investing in areas like Fayetteville and Greensboro when deals are too scarce in the Triangle area.

And, join Triangle Deal Maker Sessions (DMS) on MeetUp.com.

While we aren't quite as big as California, there are major cities scattered all over the state: Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill (The Triangle), Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point (The Triad), Wilmington (Major Beach City), Greenville (College/Medical City), Charlotte, Asheville, Boone...just to mention a few.These cities are all unique but many of them are considered to be in the top 100 cities for home buyers in the US (This was based on another article that I found on BiggerPockets, although I am having a tough time putting my hands on it).Ultimately you have to decide what is your strategy, which will be more than just knowing a price point that you are interested in.As far teams of people that could help an out of state investor go, I think that you might start with other out of state investors and see if they have any recommendations.

Triangle Apartment Association.

Also is it possible to remove one support and make like a triangle to either side to replace it?

Hi, I am beginning to invest in my home state of NC, within or around the Triangle area. 

Make sure it's big enough, in a good enough location and a good shape (not a triangle) to build upon.