Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

My ideal location is in the middle so I'm away from severe flood risk, but still 15-20 mins tops to downtown or the beach.  

It could, but you could screen this location with PriceLabs.co as they use both airbnb and hotel rates to create revenue forecasts.

Low or no down, seller financing and low or no interest with a balloon payment later is the holy grail (location, building condition, market also matter but it sounds like you have all that).

I would search around so you know what you need to buy out your partner.

A mass shooting occurred tonight on the street next to the street where the property is located, leaving nine people shot and one dead.

Most real estate agents actually do not have the need to go into an office to close transactions and meet clients at either a natural location or at the properties they are showing or listing. 

A lot of it has to do with location and time.If they are local owners looking at 1-2 LTR properties, I'll assist with identifying cash flowing/near cash flowing properties, assist them in the purchase as their buyers agent and assist with tenant procurement, listing, etc. but they can typically handle day to day management from there.Furnished properties, whether that be MTR or STR, are a lot more involved, as I'm sure you're aware of!

First house in 2021 - no internet to search at that time, remember going to realtor offices and seeing magazines and talking on phone with them about properties available and driving by them as there was no google street view.

Location is key.