Start by contacting a bank and gettting a preapproval letter. You’ll need that to make any offers. Better to figure out the financing before falling in love with a place or there is too much risk you will not be able to act in time.

Hire a good real estate agent and let them do the legwork. Get them to send you listings meeting your criteria. This can be automated. Research areas and buildings over the internet.

Ask the real estate agent if it is common to have bidding wars for the type of places you are looking at. If so, you can make offers first, then travel to view only if an offer is accepted. If not, you can take a trip and tour properties and make a decision.