I've also been reading a few business books, and have just recently started collecting real estate specific books to read over. 

Don't just read the lease!

Learn the basics of RE and PM, read listen learn.

A few things I asked reading your post is how old is the property?

I have many questions about this process but want to start with some pretty basic info, I am currently reading the book on rental property investing by Brandon Turner and its opening my eyes to a lot of sides to this process I was unaware of before. 1. 

I've been reading about REI for years but am finally ready to get over my analysis paralysis and get more focused on learning through experience.If anyone can recommend agents, clubs, or organizers in the twin cities area, I'd love to talk! 

I have started reading up as much as I can from the biggerpockets forums, listening to podcasts, and currently reading "Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner".Looking for some advice around:1) What are the cities I should be looking into?

I've read books and listened to the pod cast quite a bit, so my question is what advice would you give to someone new that they don't tell you in the books about long distance investing.  

Keep reading and learning, make sure you know your market, but yes, it's a great way to start.

I'll have to rescind some of my comments after reading @Matt Shields comments.