There are some pretty cost effective options already in both of these spheres, IMO: Placester for agents, Investor Carrot or Lead Propeller for investors.

However, even the most average of families are often surrounded by assets that they've been putting money into for years that are more than capable of being sold for fast cash to propel us into real estate, albeit perhaps requiring us to down size...a lot.

After a few years of watching my 401k return only a few hundred dollars per year of dividends, I decided my salary and capital gains were barely going to propel me to a happy retirement. 

I'm sure your experience thus far (and the lessons that came with it) will propel you onto the next step. 

This is what propelled the high stock prices, bit coin, and real estate. 

House hacking using Airbnb is a great strategy, and if done right, can propel you forward financially very very quickly.In normal times I'd say, without hesitation, go for it and you'll be able to cover a large portion of your mortgage.

How does one choose between a state with a lower cost of living that would propel their FI journey and a state that they think is awesome?

I have created a website through lead propeller.

Check out investor carrot and lead propeller, both are very affordable.

The ABCs of Real Estate Investing by Ken Mcelroy is what propelled me in the direction of Multi-Family units investing.