When I place an order, Mangento2 sets it into STATE = 'complete' and STATUS = 'complete'. However I still need to process the order in some way. I want it to be set to STATE_NEW or in some way pending. Also, the order is charged online using the payment method.
I have made more research. My product type is virtual so Magento2 recognizes that all paid virtual products should be complete. I chose virtual product as I am selling services. So no shipping information is needed.