I'm a local Duluth investor, happy to share my experience and can give some recommendations to help build your team.

There are also some locally I think through the AAR, I would reach out to them but if not I am happy to help!

Would definitely check local zoning / code enforcement laws as well.  

I’d love to connect with local investors and agents and, further down the line, with contractors when we’re ready to take the next steps.Looking forward to connecting and learning from everyone here!

Depending on your state, many have local lenders that will go up to 100% LTV. 

I'm a construction management consultant (so similar to engineering) and investor/agent in the Boston area so I get the need to want/need to stay local.

Also, connect with local investors—they’re a great resource.

This halts production for anyone that is that far along - you can't just pick up trusses at your local hardware store - they are engineered for the job via the plans. 

We worked with a lawyer over there who is a US ex-pat who created and registered a local LLC for us, which owns our properties.

If so, self-managing properties might not be the best use of your time - In any case, I'd encourage you to talk to multiple local property management companies, keep the above in mind, and understand how they approach management.In my experience, property management isn’t just about finding the right tenant or collecting rent—especially in a tenant-friendly state like Rhode Island.