@Andre Jones I recommend reading "Long Distance Real Estate Investing" by David Greene. 

A little longer commute in exchange for only having to work a few years would probably be an acceptable compromise.

Thousand Oaks is home to one of the best school districts in the nation, safest towns in American (minus the horrible incident in 2018) all while having a similar commute to LA/Valley area as Santa Clarita.I just rented a small SFD here in Thousand Oaks for $3,250 a month first day on market last October. 

I purchased a terrific BRRR opportunity multifamily within walking distance of the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ 11 months ago for $385,000 with $70,000 down. 

Glad you were able to close within walking distance. 

I’m am active duty Army stationed in Korea. I am having trouble securing conventional financing due to the fact that I only have an APO address here. My “official army residence” is Pennsylvania but that is not link...

Focusing on long distance since it’s more affordable and BRRRR investing.

During this next phase I will be more keen on branching out into other markets including out of state/countrywide.A few things I have going for me; I am flexible with where I can go, in that I have no regular commute.

I don't know who you'd get to manage a property there, unless you intend to manage at a distance.

Grab David Greene's book on Long Distance Real Estate Investing and/or listen to some podcast episodes on the same topic