It's a lot harder to start establishing relationships once you are in a time crunch. 

IMO the next step to compile local data and crunch the numbers.

How would you even crunch the numbers on Cap rates across one entire market, let alone the USA as a whole?

Crunch the numbers, do your research, and be prepared to walk away if it doesn't make sense.

I will do some additional recommendations on Bakersfield and Fresno and crunch the numbers to see how much of a viable solution is to look for an investment property out there.Best of luck to you as well.

Been at the books, videos, podcast and crunching numbers game for a year now.

We are also in a time when Banks can simply run reports and crunch data on ownership mismatches across their entire portfolio with a click of a button (not researching each and every property one by one, state by state).

I'm trying to crunch the numbers to figure out what my search criteria should be for this new residence.

At that point you can crunch the numbers to see if it's worth pursuing.With regard to soliciting a mentor my advice is that you bone up on the basics and invest some solid time initially, so that when you are connected with a mentor, quality time is utilized to address higher level REI questions and teachings.Also, since you expressed an interest in rentals, I added the below links for your review.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/27/financing-options-rental-property-guide/ (financing options for rentals)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/04/how-to-rent-your-house/ (house rental guide)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property) http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meethttps://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/ruleshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/termshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/inviteshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/perkshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/categorieshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/courses/a-beginners-introduction-to-real-estate-investing (video courses)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI)REI can be very daunting, but, before you go searching for that 1st buy, please take a few minutes to bone up on the tips in link below.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REI)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

I've spent the last few months researching, crunching numbers, and planning my first move.