Looking at auction property- Need advice! Evansville, IN

[Nicollette Roth]

First post here at BiggerPockets!

So, I'm working at getting over my fear of my first buy and hold deal.  I found a property on an auction site that appears to look good.  Town appears stable, rent is high compared to purchase prices, and the neighborhood looks good.  The auction posting has quite a few photos.  It's obvious that the property needs some rehabbing.  Even factoring in anticipated rehab costs, I still believe that this property will meet the 2% rule.

Here's what I'm hoping you lovely people will be able to help me with:

1. Does anyone have any references for General Contractors and Property Managers in Evansville, Indiana?  This house will need a full kitchen remodel, including removing a wall/moving some things around.  Specifically, I'm looking for someone who I can meet with in person initially, then coordinate electronically, and then have a final walkthrough in person.

2. Who would you recommend getting a title search from?  I am from Vancouver, WA.  Is it better to work with a local title company, or a title company in Evansville?  Or does it not matter?

3. Am I crazy for buying out-of-state for my first deal?

4. Is there any red flags with Evansville, Indiana, that I am missing as a new investor?

Thank you everyone in advance for any thoughts/tips/comments that you might have!!