Here's a link. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521/topics/65...It's on the 2nd Monday each month.You'll find all kinds of people, including some that are doing exactly what you're targeting, keep their job, and pick up a few rentals along the way.

How does someone randomly pick a state/town to invest in?

There was so little paperwork on the loan it seemed unreal, but I did it and we got that property and I've done plenty more since.Dan,I'm not recreating the wheel, this is how some investment fund pools start up.

I'd recommend to visit both cities and meet with as many RE investors as you can while you're there, decide which one you want to buy in (or pick a part of town you prefer for each city), narrow down what type of property (if you need a loan- talk to some different hard money lenders about your plans), and start working with a wholesaler or realtor to help find your deal!

I have been inside the apartment several times to pick up rent and to fix a bathroom fan and a jammed window on another occasion and every time the apartment smells there is a sink full of dirty dishes old food laying around and just overall dirty...

One reason is the customer doesnt realize that the 3 hours that I spent picking up materials is part of that hourly charge . 

I'd recommend picking up the  How to Invest In Real Estate book that BP just released.

I was given price allotments for square footage of flooring and allowed to pick paint colors, etc.

Pick a solid B-Class suburban area.

I have been using a rental analysis spreadsheet I put together for awhile and I'd love for anyone to pick it apart to find flaws or suggest improvements.