Certainly in SE there are lots of properties that actually look quite good on paper, but my willingness to live on that side of the river was just too low.

@Keith GoodwineI am not aware of any law that made double closings illegal, per se. 

I know paypal will send me a 1099 once I hit 20k and that will definitely happen next year as I plan to ramp up those efforts.My first thought was LLC taxed as scorp so that I can pay myself a salary and avoid some SE tax.

There are good investment opportunities in SE DC, too.

There are a bunch of duplexes that just came on the market in SE Portland, sellwood area. 

Ya, timelines all get pushed out and often returns are lower, but not having a plan is planning to fail.For myself, I don't work directly in the real estate industry per se. 

I am not averse to procuring through wholesalers but will probably pay an agent to be my boots on the ground per se in any wholesale deal as I cannot pop out to wherever every week.      

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/6116-Glen-Mary-Ln-SE-Lacey-WA-98503/49418368_zpid/

I've used Chris M. for my properties in Detroit and SE Michigan.

Where are you located in SE Iowa?