Here in FL in addition to management I also broker for investors, and curate a weekly vetted STR list with local homes. 

Is it possible to have a property manager who manages some of the property, while I manage the rest remotely?

It also includes managing your existing investment well to ensure you aren't bleeding money due to bad tenants, excess maintenance, etc. 

It’s a little more work to set up, but if you get a solid property manager, it’s not as scary as it sounds.If I were you, I’d keep digging into the Capitol region, NJ, and CT—compare the numbers, and maybe even start building connections with agents or wholesalers in those areas.

I am just a beginner wholesaler so I haven't done much marketing/lead management yet.

Making sure we can manage our own properties in these areas.  

Less risk as far as a debt note, that's true, but debt is not the only risk to be managed.

Jeff and I lend our own money and at least for me I do have some investors that I manage their funds along with my own.

I would run this by your realtor/property manager to get clarification.

Anyone out there on W2 , owning a STR that is taking the benefit of its managment qualifying you to take real estate losses against your W2?