But I don’t have a lot saved, so I was gonna look for a place upstate, something long distance, maybe 3-5 hours away.

You could/would do it as an "investment property" (25% down minimum) if it were 2-4 unit.If you're trying to bend or break the rules and do it as a "primary residence," then you're going to have to convince an underwriter that you do a commute of 5 hours each way 5 days a week... not likely. 

Would buying in a more affordable area cause you to spend a lot more time in traffic on your daily commute? 

I've read several books, including Brandon's book on Rental Property Investing, David's BRRRR and Long-Distance REI books, J Scott's book on Estimating Rehab Costs, the ever famous Rich Dad Poor Dad, and am currently mowing my way through Richest Man in Babylon.

Unless, the numbers on this deal are just astronomically high, like a 40% CoC return or something similiar, I would much rather buy an 80 unit apartment complex than try to acquire, manage, and maintain 88 houses spread out whatever distance.

Long distance Property Management is a looser.

Maybe the location doesn’t work, eg schools, commute, etcWhether you go short or long term, depends on your personal business plans/goals.

Granted, it may be easier and save time over selfmanaging from a distance, just understand what you are giving away by doing so.

Our property is located in a very desirable area.. it’s directly across from the commuter rail and the Merrimack River.. we’re also less than a 10 min walk from a bustling, up and coming down town.

Include what type of property, whether it's local or long distance, financing situation, etc.