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.

I honestly wouldn't trust anyone else with my clients but him when it comes to that local market.

If the locals say it's rare then I would not worry.

You could even try reaching out directly to local agents or small real estate firms.

A buddy of mine who invests out in Phoenix once had a client facing a similar timing mismatch on a rehab project.. they ended up working closely with a local credit union who was more open to interim valuations.

Second, I'd connect with some local hosts in your area also in addition to Airdna.

It wasn’t ideal, but it was the only way to keep the deal alive.I made the drive to her small town, met her at a local bank, and had the paperwork notarized.

The most sure path for local RE investors seems to be with a near term exit. 

Glad you have experience investing locally. 

For your out-of-state BRRRR plan, building a strong local team in St.