Investing out of state can be a good option if your local market isn't a good fit.

I'd highly recommend looking at going to the Investor lab events or join the local REI.

We're a local lender and we have a bunch of newer investors who are also local.

Here’s what you should do next:Check the Lease: Look at your lease for rules on early termination and notice periods.Document Everything: Take photos or videos of the property to document its condition.Send Final Accounting: Prepare a final accounting of the security deposit, showing any deductions for unpaid rent or damages, and send it to the tenant’s last known address.Re-rent the Property: Start looking for new tenants immediately to minimize your financial loss.Consider Legal Action: If the deposit doesn’t cover what they owe, you can take them to small claims court.Keep Records: Save all communication with the tenant, like texts and emails.Get Legal Advice: Consulting a local attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law might be helpful.Best of luck getting this resolved.Carlos

I called a successful investor I met at local meetups who helped me walk the property (first time for me) and estimate a rehab budget so I can run the numbers and figure out what I can offer in the current market.

It's allowed me to do some of my own work like changing toilets and fixing leaking ceilings, but even if I don't want to do a job personally hopefully I'll have enough knowledge to not let a contractor over charge me, or recommend something I don't need.You'll also meet local contractors, and hopefully investors.They may offer an employee discount too.

@Jalen De Leon I find it is always wise to seek out local lenders who truly understand the specific market you're interested in.

Also, I will need some direction to this local market.

Deals don't make sense unless you do something crazy like put 8 students in a single family :)  Yes I spoke with my local bak loan officer the other day and he said they are doing zero loans to finance purchase of rentals right now because the numbers don't work. 

I'm currently looking for a multi family (2-4) in my local market: Trenton, NJ.