Places like Erie Insurance, the hospitals, and the colleges are adding a lot of jobs to replace the ones lost from GE and others.

While we aren't quite as big as California, there are major cities scattered all over the state: Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill (The Triangle), Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point (The Triad), Wilmington (Major Beach City), Greenville (College/Medical City), Charlotte, Asheville, Boone...just to mention a few.These cities are all unique but many of them are considered to be in the top 100 cities for home buyers in the US (This was based on another article that I found on BiggerPockets, although I am having a tough time putting my hands on it).Ultimately you have to decide what is your strategy, which will be more than just knowing a price point that you are interested in.As far teams of people that could help an out of state investor go, I think that you might start with other out of state investors and see if they have any recommendations.

Put kids through college?

If not, look for a "starter" one...a student one if you are in college...and get one. 

The goal is to make our money work for us now so that we can afford to travel at every opportunity and give our future kids a great life/college. 

Columbia is a college town with stiffer competition while St.

I have three boys, in high school and college. 

My younger sibling just turned 18 and will be living with me in my primary residence while they are attending college.

Another potential long term plan has us moving back in for a couple of years when our daughter goes to college, and cashing it out after that tax-free. 

Purchase price: $78,000 Cash invested: $11,700 Nice little rental apartment in a charming college town!