Prices generally go down in relation to distance from major shopping and they become more difficult to flip if that is your objective. 

For my purposes, I define Metro Orlando as everything within a 1-hr commute to downtown Orlando.

If you are interested in long distance investing both can work.

My commute to Pearl was about 25-35 minutes in the morning and 40-60 in the afternoons going home.

I listen to mine on my commute. 

I had a terrible experience, she got extremely demanding (because there is no "professional distance") and in the end cold feet, wanted me to cancel the contract and in the end "at least reimburse me for the earnest money"...So in conclusion: I dont want to work with my firends, and I tell them!

I have heard that some investors are doing long-distance wholesaling/rehabbing/renting completely by phone, even in other states, and they never visit the properties.

I was able to acquire the property for $4100 and it’s a 7500 square-foot lot, jogging distance from the beach.

Do you have any tips on how to get started in long distance rental property investing?

I'm actually in Alameda and just commute to the City for work, so linking up should be pretty easy as long as our schedules line up.