I’m not stupid.Real estate is local…

At the end of the day, your biggest asset in getting into real estate is a stable W2 job.That being said, it probably isn't what you mean, but my first job out of college was for a retail real estate owner operator.  

As a local investor in San Diego myself who used to invest in the Midwest...the low prices can be very enticing but make sure you really know the market first and what you are getting into before pulling the trigger...when you are out of state you are at a disadvantage as properties can differ quite heavily from block to block. 

I would suggest networking locally to get entrenched in the real estate market.

Attend the local REIA meetings and join the FB groups

@Cliff Durrett  - thanks   1) family  2) friends  3) reitement account loan 4) personal loan from your bank 5) leverage a car  ( unlikely to obtain from a bank or credit union )  6) local bank / credit union 

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.

I also recommend you attend the local meetups and get to meet all the investors here.

Once the move is complete and things are settled down, I'm interested in pursuing real estate investment locally.

Share something that is challenging you on the retail side and then quickly follow up with asking them what their biggest challenge has been in this market.