Instead of exploring those options, they called LAHD and filed a complaint for illegal eviction and illegal rent increase.

Feel free to DM me. a plug for Oregon - it is a place where year round you can be outside exploring and enjoying nature, so so many places to go and see - world class food.... 

Kidding.

We're interested in out-of-state b/c we currently live in a HCOL area, but want to get started ASAP, which means looking at more affordable markets to start gaining experience.We however consulted our financial advisor a couple times, and have received push back on doing out-of-state real investing for a variety of reasons, including 1) we are currently renting in a HCOL and are saving up for our primary residence buy which is in another HCOL area (LA as want to be closer to our parents when we consider having kids, so this is a bit non-negotiable), which we aim to have enough funds for by end of 2024, 2) we have a fair amount of student debt that we want to aggressively pay off once loan payment freeze ends in 2022.Wanted to share our situation with the forums here and get some feedback.

Your feedback makes sense and I will definitely explore them. 

If going to buy a house or small plex and you need a mortgage, I'd explore buying as TIC (tenants in common) with %s listed and have a JV agreement. 

Met my wife, had a kid and did 6 years in the Air Force.

Better off reaching out to a great RE agent like yourself and having them assist or exploring other options.  

You might find a high school kid to sort and sell stuff online for  commission. 

Odd's are a veteran investor in this arena would locate heir's in about 15minutes, from there home office, I kid you not.