I know there are many out there in the community that fit this description, but id love to know the details of the process you went through prior to taking the plunge.

You don't need to limit yourself geographically to what's near you - obviously, you aren't planning to be hands-on with a property in Hawaii or Arizona, it shouldn't be any different if you're investing in Tennessee, Florida, or anywhere else in the US.  

As the description states.

I'll keep looking back to this post because it is not only inspiring yet descriptive enough to promote action.I only hope more people get to read this discussion and your post!

As you are probably aware things change block to block in NOLA so my advice to you would be to keep the comps really tight geographically when you are trying to value your investments. 

. - Ask for a clear step-by-step description of the process.- UNDERSTAND that this kind of claim will have variables that can’t be perfectly defined right away

I have connections to a few other geographic areas outside of Boston, and I am researching those locations as well as the local Massachusetts market in order to see which market would be the best fit for my goals.

My strategy, buy in tough to find markets where's there's strong demand or on the edge of these markets IF they're geographically expanding.

Very detailed description as to how things can work out when things go rightHowever, as a former soldier and one that has flipped scores of properties in Ft Hood, I have witness the struggle of soldiers when their rental properties have gone sideways. 

Thanks Your description describes my market (San Diego county) to a T.