My next step is to assemble a team that can help me make the right decisions and be my boots on the ground, but that's where I'm getting a bit overwhelmed...I know I can search and network through BP, even get some recommendations from other members here, and research to death on Google to find a seemingly endless amount of lenders, property managers, agents, lawyers, etc., so I'm curious how others made a decision on who to go with and why?

At this point I'm working to assemble a team of individuals, real estate agents, contractors, property managers, etc, to assist in my goal of getting to where I would like to be.

@Bob Prisco I’m open to that but I know assembly or finding the right team is no easy task which is ok as well I’m in to working hard just don’t want to be that nightmare story guy

And Drop and lock is impossible to take apart, great to assemble though.

The IRS does not care if you buy a house, improve it and sell it or buy computer components and assemble them into a PC. 

Check out some of the practical resources (the Bookstore on Bigger Pockets might have some you haven't read) & start assembling a team of experts - attorneys, accountant, etc, to advise you.   

With a package of say 20 properties tied up, then you assemble a funding prospectus and "shop" the commercial lenders, in short presenting an opportunity for them to fight for your business.

@Amy A.If you do invest out of state, be sure to assemble a team.

If you are inexperienced - the onus is on you to assemble a team around you (a lender) that is more experienced than you are.

Assembling a team in the area is also going to be very important (realtors, lenders contractors etc.., people who will help you through the process and make long-distance investing much less stressful while hopefully avoiding a lot of mistakes with their knowledge.