In northern NJ, start simple: get a clean buy box for rentals (target price range, beds/baths, towns, minimum cash flow), get preapproved, and analyze 50–100 on‑market deals to learn the numbers fast; if they don’t cash flow locally, don’t force it—house hack a small multi or expand to nearby landlord‑friendlier submarkets.

I love that you're already getting your "buy box" together.

Good plan to start in Baltimore with boots on the ground—keep it simple and systemize: pick a tight buy box, then run a “Noise-to-Numbers” scan on volume (agent MLS pulls, 2–3 wholesalers, and one direct-to-seller list), comp only within close radius and similar beds/baths/condition, and budget rehab with two contractor walks plus a contingency; start with light cosmetic flips to test your GC and processes before tackling heavy value-add.

My fix: tighten the buy box, stack 2 exit plans, and front‑load contractor vetting with small test scopes before handing them the whole project.

@Jaycee Greene thanks, SFH are my buy box for now. 

Luis, lead with credibility you already have: publish a simple one‑pager story, your valuation skillset, and a tight buy box, then share weekly micro‑case studies of real deals you’ve underwritten to attract investor conversations; offer value first by bringing vetted opportunities or handling due diligence/PM ops in exchange for a fair split; stack warm intros at Chicago meetups and online investor groups, ask for two referrals per call, and keep a consistent update cadence; next step today: pick one market, underwrite five live listings, post your numbers for feedback, and DM three potential partners with your one‑pager and those deals.

If a spot three hours away checks those boxes and the numbers make sense, distance alone shouldn’t stop you.

Show up with a 15‑second intro, your buy box, and one clear ask like “Who’s the best PM here?”

My advice: tighten your buy box to C/B blocks, underwrite on in‑place rents with a stress test, and line up a local portfolio lender plus a backup.

With 50–75k and a move to LA coming, keep it simple and build momentum: pick one market near your future home base, define a duplex buy box in C/B areas, and aim for light value‑add you can finish fast.