The best salespeople have excellent networks, so I'd wager that an east coast sales rep should be hired on the east coast.

I'm not a sales rep by trade, but I've spent a lot of time selling my own products and services, and I've always been able to close more deals (and find more leads) when I'm mixed into the crowd I'm supposed to sell to: conferences, mixers, and other in-person events where I can casually meet and pitch potential clients.

Everyone will have their own approach, but all the best salespeople I know are doing most of their selling in person.

Good luck!