I recommend CA residents look at Reno, Nevada because of the proximity, landlord friendly, low property taxes, and influx of high wage jobs and strong appreciation. 

Given the flexibility of our jobs, which offers nationwide opportunities, we have the privilege of choosing our permanent address anywhere in the country while remaining compliant with IRS regulations regarding tax homes.Initially, our aim was to purchase property in the Portsmouth, Durham, or Salem areas of New Hampshire.

Tax Write OffsSo even if you aren't getting the positive cash flow, you are potentially making it up in the other ways.

Plan on living there between 1-2 yrs while making improvements, and renting out other parts of the house if possible.  2 years for tax benefits, 1 year for lender obligation before you move on to another purchase.

Roth funds can be withdrawn tax/penalty free.

Seller's affidavits about BK,  liens, taxes, no new liens in last days should have been ready to go yesterday.

When did buyer's agents start training on  buying "off market" without agents, subject to, wraps, seller financing, lease options, land contracts, fix & flips, rentals, taxes, asset protection, etc, etc, etc.

Eventually I will invest in cash flowing properties out of state.I'm looking for tips and advice on being a land lord such as maintenance, rent collection, taxes/accounting, legal, and things you wish you would/wouldn't have done starting out.

As a sales professional, you'll find that one of the greatest benefits of investing in real estate is tax saving -- I'm not a CPA and can't advise on this, but I've personally saved a fortune through REP status and cost segregation. 

If your doing anything close to this tye property better be a 100% home run .Otherwise, we didn't do a portfolio loan until we had 5 houses and supporting tax returns and did everything cash up until then. i wouldn't do it until you have some track record before jumping into leverage and a heloc is made to use and pay off quickly.