The location of my duplex is way more convenient /safer/actually walking distance of downtown Lynchburg, Va. the only comparables I can find are single bed room lofts which go for 850.

Also, who should I speak with when trying to figure out the legal distance and what not of each home? 

And it’s long distance.

In Orange Beach & Gulf Shores, there are lots of good opportunities, but it can be risky trying to do it on your own with Airbnb, etc because it can be tough to make sure you can get the cleaning crews & maintenance folks when needed on a long distance basis. 

You are better off not investing in C or D-class SFR or small multifamily (2-4 units) from a distance.

From about 70 hours a week(including commute) down to around 3-6 hours a week.

I took the express train to Boston out of Union Station for a work event a few weeks ago and I was amazed at how many people were taking on it and commuting in from Worcester.Being around here, and especially in the busy summer months, I have noticed what seems to be an incredible volume of new residential construction happening.

In essence there are many avenues you can go, but research them all and see what fits your ideal path.I would read Long Distance Real Estate Investing by David Green as well as Brandon Turner's book on No and Low money down real estate investing. 

Listen to the BP podcasts on your commute because I KNOW that is a chunk of time!

I may use the agent that helped me get my home, but I'd like to do a bit more research before committing.I am in Virginia Beach, so within driving distance.