I will jump out of the plane and install my parachute on the way down while my wife will watch hours of you tube on how to install her parachute before she even considers jumping.

If you don't think see the validity in the comparison, and you accept the fact that anyone can learn enough about REI through casual resources, and that the limited success gained of those casual resources is fine and acceptable, and the idea of looking beyond the simple and striving for better rather than accepting limits, then go ahead and change the surgeon to (choose any of the above) the:1 - Engineer that designed the structure of the building you work in, 2 - Person cutting your hair,3 - Accountant that does you taxes,4 - Air Traffic Controller that keeps planes from crashing,5 - The Pilot the flies those planes,6 - The Captain that sails the cruise ships,7 - Electrician that wired your house,8 - The plumber that plumbed your house,9 - Pharmacist that dispenses your meds10 - Software Engineer that designed the software you use,11 - ...I'm sure others can add to this list. 

The proximity to Seattle definitely sounds appealing, but if I have to hop on a plane to visit anyways it might not be such a huge benefit over investing in the Midwest.

Are you planing on using cash to purchase ....if not - get some solid  options in place  that are  viable  to use for land or " run down"  properties 

It'd be money well spent to get on a plane and come put your eyes on the different neighborhoods.