Hello BP,I am from California and looking to take advantage of the higher wages here in LA to invest in out of state properties.The problem I'm having is how to decide WHERE that will be done?

On any site there will be opportunists that look for inexperienced people to take advantage of. 

When you add an extra female to the mix, more space is a necessity!

This is a great place to learn and to meet people so take advantage of all the great resources.Read Beginner’s Guide to help you get started: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingLots of luck.

Remember the term leverage means "to gain advantage".

Ideally, when I move back to the states, I'd like to get a duplex/triplex and take advantage of an FHA loan at 3.5%.

The advantage of this plan is that it doesn't touch insides of the existing structure at all (and hence comes with cost benefits).

I’ve been saving aggressively to buy a multi-family since, but I was wondering if anyone had some creative strategies to take advantage of some of the loan programs so that I don’t need so much upfront.

Take advantage of networking while sharing your story with all of us.

You need to be willing to expand your comfort zone and create/take advantage of opportunities that are outside your wheelhouse;2.