I'm a software engineer with 10 years experience at a major US corporation but I'm looking for a change in scenery (literally and figuratively) and am starting to apply for lateral positions. This is the first time I've applied for a job since college and would like some advice on broaching the subject of relocation (up to several states away) with potential employers.
I've read that it's best to omit one's location from the initial resume and instead bring up the need to relocate only after being narrowed down to the serious candidates. However, that seems like burying the lead and more likely to irk the hiring managers if they assumed I was a local hire. I'm not applying for positions labeled 'local only' but it's unclear whether all of them typically hire outside of their own regions.
In addition, I'm unsure how much time is generally considered reasonable to ask for prior to starting the new position. I don't need to sell my current house or pull my kids out of school, but I would need to scout the area during the application process (I'm unfamiliar with the cities) and then make arrangements once hired. Giving my two-weeks notice, securing a temporary rental pending a longer-term purchase, actually relocating, etc. must all be accounted for.
I feel like I should have solid footing given my experience and the current job market, with relocation assistance being an unnecessary but appreciated possibility, but I'd appreciate some insight into personal experiences with long-distance job opportunities.