Rents along the southern coast of NC were well over the 1% rule most investors try to follow.

Networking is basically building up connections with people you have something in common, or have some kind of rapport, with.You can try to make such connections here on Bigger Pockets, or via a local networking group such as the RI Real Estate Investors Group or Black Diamond REI in southern Mass.

Southern Indiana has been a viable option for a while.

First time investor here out of Southern California and I have been exploring the idea of making my first purchase be a Short Term Rental in Big Bear Lake. 

Also, any southern california investor, including myself and yourself, will look at Las Vegas as the next logical choice.If SFR, then Summerlin is the best area, but prices will start at 300k.

Like you, I'm a European living in North America so I can compare the two systems.I invest internationally and, in Europe, I've been focusing on residential properties in several Southern European countries, which I'm most familiar with.

If you're doing work in southern california, I'm willing to jump in and help your operation with the only pay being the knowledge I gain while working with you.

I live in Southern California so I am exploring the option of buying out of state. 

Yes I know that as a flipper you should only offer 70 to 75% of the price but this is southern California and I am afraid that strategy just doesn't work well here.  

Are there any BP'ers out there that have successfully pulled off a house hack in decent towns in Southern Bergen, Essex, Union, or Hudson counties?