Right now though, I don't see any other way of proceeding beyond endless internet research other than taking a flight to a targeted area, meet a few professionals, see some houses and move on from there.   

I haven’t paid for a flight or hotel in years), VA loans (no down payment necessary, great interest rates), etc. 

Most of my Turnkey Clients have to catch a flight back to California so we are always a little rushed anyway and Regus isn't good about unexpected visits and they charge you for missed office time. 

I was being responsible and did not jump on a flight to Nashville for last year's con, but I was tempted. 

@Joshua Hyde, if you are a flight student right now the focus should be on getting your wings! 

I've also got accounts with Coastal and First Flight Credit Unions, with business cards from each.

I do think it is a good call to keep that market within a short flight (or a long drive), at least for your first few investments.

I currently live in Pensacola, FL and am in flight training with the Navy. 

More than happy to talk about real estate, flight deals, the best Persian restaurants in the DMV, or about why the DC area transit system is doomed.

When economy is on downward trend a lot of businesses go into (cost cutting and flight to safety mode) increasing sales at existing well located stores.