The truly tragic natural disasters in California, North Carolina, Florida and others of the past six months are evidence that no location is truly 'climate safe,' however there are geographical areas that can expect less weather extremes and lower costs of living, developing, insuring and seemingly...surviving. 

Here are a few things that I like about the neighborhoods in Indy compared to other states: high rent-to-home-value ratio, consistent and gradual city development, relatively low property tax and insurance cost, affordable renovation service cost.From my experience, it's possible to find deals that meet 1% rule if you invest in *turn-key* duplex or SFH here, but they are harder to find, and could potentially slow down you from scaling up.

Anyone that is looking at your assets is always going to need to factor in property management, so you can show that as a real expense (and really make it as high or low as you want).I work in a vertically integrated real estate and development company, and I cannot imagine how things would run if we did not have an internal property management company that essentially works for the other companies but also stands on its own.

Incensed deal flow by developing a large list of contacts of commercial mortgage brokers using LinkedIn.  

Or buy a Contractor display home in a new upcoming development.  

Getting Fair deals on labor and repairs comes from developing win/win relationships with contractors.

Does anyone have advice on best software to use if I can't access the MLS yet? 

Quote from @Jaycee Greene: Quote from @Jamie Parker: @David Mares The short answer is to build and develop the area.

Real estate wealth is built through long term price appreciation, property becomes (usually) more valuable over time, especially if purchased in areas that have either gone through development or redevelopment.  

It explains the team that you should develop to have a strong foundation under you while investing remotely.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team