Do lenders need to be local?

[Ilya Polyakov]

I live in Los Angeles, where I have a lender I like and have worked with previously on the purchase of my home (my primary residence, not an investment property). I am interested in investing in rental properties in a more affordable market outside CA, and am wondering if it is necessary (or advisable) to seek lenders in those markets, or if I can stick with the lender I already have a relationship with? Why or why not?

Thank you!!