Although I have knowledge and experience in my local market, I am most interested in some out-of-state options as I like those opportunities better than what I have locally but know little about where to begin evaluating those markets and the pros and cons of the different states.

We highly recommend though, having a local expert that you can run addresses by, to confirm the target property in on a good block before signing a purchase contract.

I'd recommend going around your local community there & finding a credit union that does this!

Neighbor puts up a nest cam on his high back fence pointing right over into our back yard where the pool is. 

I invest locally in Columbus and Cleveland.

I do have multiple income sources; rentals took over as the largest about 5 or 6 years ago, just a few years before I retired from a career in military/local government.

Hey Billy, you said you'll be living in one of the units...Are you local now?

Or if you were somehow able to look at markets outside the US where local real estate markets are much less transparent.

Thank you @Cameron Moore. i am checking will local insurance agents. hopefully i will get reasonable quote from someone :)

Joining your local real estate investors association (REIA) offers an excellent avenue for such networking.