If so, how was your experience with their service and loan products?

The problem is that I live in California (which is cost prohibitive for me currently to "buy local") and must rely on remote management that is local to the investment area. 

ya that's basically mission impossible under the scenario you outlined.There is a lady I know from Oregon and this was her and her moms experince.They bought a duplex  ran that for a few years sold and bought a 4 plex ran that for some years then they were able to buy a 8 unit  then next step was a 20 unit. 

For example if you are buying a value-add property at a 4 cap, but the market stabilized cap is a 5, and you are holding for 5 years, you would expand the cap rate to a 5.5 exit cap.

People buy because of infinite factors.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Scenario: If one is to buy a new home to use as a primary residence ( till say Jan 1 2025), fix it up and get it ready for STR use starting Jan 2025 while STRing the initial primary until Jan 1, 2025, then move back to the initial primary and fulltime STR the new property..

If you are buying as a primary be prepared to write an "LOE" Letter of explanation on why your moving out of an SFH into a MF 2-4 unit.

If you're buying in Denver, cash-flowing is tough.

@Jonathan Greene recently posted a fantastic "Do's and Don'ts" guide for newcomers on the Forums.I, too, am looking to join a motivated local investing group that specializes in buy & hold and multifamily, and I hope to see you at one of the local meetups soon!