Every entrepreneur expects to face challenges along the way. From raising capital to building a team, working out logistics and setting up your base of operations, there’s always plenty of work to be done. Starting a business is tough. You’ve got to craft a killer plan, find the right opportunities, and charm the right people.

One of the great lasting myths about investing in real estate is that you have to live close to your investment properties. While investing in your local market can be effective, it's also limiting. You're shackled to factors that add up quickly, like availability, population swings, and the local economy.

Remote real estate investing can be one of the best things you’ll ever do as an investor. From unprecedented market access to key portfolio diversification, the benefits – and the options – are endless. With that said, out-of-state investing can be risky. Don’t ignore these essential steps to safely (and successfully) investing outside of your local market.