I am hoping to have an open loan, where as I identify homes I want to keep buying over a relatively short period.  

What tools and resources can I use to get to know the areas a bit better and identify good areas for rental properties? 

If you look at the websites of hard money lenders, you will find that a number will identify the various states in which they lend.

You need to first identify your end goal, desired investment outcomes, risk tolerance, and overlay this info with existing dependencies (proximity, $...etc).It's absolutely great to absorb the info and opinions from those who are succeeding, but ultimately you need to craft a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and then identify/execute the tasks will lead you to that desired vision.

Before buying in another state, I would identify the markets that you are interested in and build relationships with people in those markets that will be able to help you out when you need things to get done. 

Identify good assets, buy right, and hold until you want to.

This will help you identify a real deal.

The First thing is to identify your long term goal with RE.TheSecond thing is to identify a market, I personally believe in the appreciation and cash flow of Columbus Ohio. 

We're in the early stages, with nothing identified yet, but I just want to be sure of the sequence of events.

In relation to forming the LLC in NWI i understand the following:1) Given that i am not a resident of Indiana, i will have to identify a registered agent and use the address provided to create the LLC. 2) On discussing with registered agent i understand that the address they provide can only with Secretary of state.