Also this is a virtual deal, so going to a local REI meeting is out of the picture

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. 

You ought to attend the Valley Commercial Real Estate Awards on April 25, 6pm @ Orchard Conference Center in Northridge.

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.

I expect you can find a HELOC provider at a local credit union.