Can you do this where you are or do you need to look out of your local area? 

I have called some local lenders (I prefer to deal with local banks if possible), but have not gotten very far.

The local govts aren't getting better they're getting worse.

It is hard to really keep up with those kinds of trends unless I budget 10k a year in updating the property which I am not going to do.I participate in our local council/mayor meetings.

I am a very active realtor in both the Kansas and Missouri side of the CASEY metro, and I frequently work with local and out-of-state investors, helping folks find small multi as well as STR compatible homes.

This deal came through Nathan Ward’s local connections and market insight.

Does anyone have any experience partnering with different RE teams local to the lead? 

How is the local BIA presence?

If you can invest locally, I'd recommend doing that before investing out of state.

Research local economic trends, rental demand, and any recent or upcoming developments in the area.