Just returned from Afghanistan in April, and I spent some of my time over there self-educating through BP and books.

Spend plenty of time reading books/articles, listening to podcasts, learning from more experienced investors before you dive in.

@Jay HinrichsHow to find the price--2 waysGo to Airbnb, search your area, and look at what places are "booked up" and price out different months for a 7 day stay.

there's certainly down psycological comfort in having a property that we can drive too, but after reading @David Greene's book on long distance investing, it almost seems silly to only focus on areas we can drive to.looking out of state also opens up so many markets that it feels overwhelming. just looks for some advice, suggestions or even just to hear a few stories on how some of you narrowed your search.

I was looking for books on home flipping, and found "The Book On Estimating Rehab Costs" and it's sister book which led me here. 

I just finished The Book on Rental Property Investing and now have a list of about 20 other books (thanks to all the podcast guests for the recommendations) to tackle.

If it's just a retailer selling some commodity good like books, electronics, or clothing beware.

Also,  you would have to follow some rules to get the desired asset protection from LLCs ( separate books and those kinds of stuff).

My wife @Elizabeth Wilson and I found some old (1800s) books in the attic of a house we bought in Tennessee. 

I would still recommend that book if you have not read it.