Should I go ahead and invest in my local market or save to try and invest in a much higher priced market in Colorado once I get back? 

Excited to join and looking forward to networking with you all locally and online!

In addition to all this, networking online and offline is a top priority.

Here we have 'leave live' agreements with the utility to keep the power on between tenants.The few bucks saved by not having power in your name for a little while can cost much more apparently.I would run the dehumidifier a couple days and revisit the issue with your tenant.  

Have a reserve account to save up for those that comes from the positive cash flow.  

I've been researching available properties on line and driving around town, but it's such a hot market here in the Dallas area I can't keep up with how fast the houses get pulled off market. 

and it is a great way of networking with people who are not online. 

At first I was thinking that I would wait until I payed off my student loans to start investing, but now I'm thinking I may try and purchase some cash flowing properties to help cover my student loan payments so I can use my income to save for more.

It occurred to me that I may be able to save a few thousand dollars if I act as my own agent.  

Im just starting out and currently in an online realestate school but it's coming off as difficult.