Once you have ran through about 3 months or so of this and penciled out 50-100 deals for fun, I would talk to a local agent and start the process of looking.

Are you attending the RPOA annual Expo next week in GR from the 21-23rd... it’s free?

As for meeting local wholesalers, networking at meetups or even online could help you connect with the right people. 

You'll have a slight disadvantage compared to the local population, but nothing that should crush you.

Local banks and smaller credit unions are most aggressive in this space.

 I am looking for any local investor's, property managers, and agents  down in SC.

Definitely recommend checking out local REI meetups in Boston now and Chicago later—tons of value in connecting with local investors.

Quote from @Kyle Barnhart: I live near Phoenix and looking to invest locally.

Yes BofA is all over the country but if you go to your local branch it's pretty likely that loan officer and/or office wouldn't be licensed to operate in another state. 

Further context, I have zero debt, high 700s credit score, one other investment property here locally. 175k in cash available, looking to do DSCR loans or cash and then refinance.Peoria, Illinois- Great need for lower income housing, market appears to have many options.Lawton, Oklahoma- Looking only at extremely cheap properties, as it seems it’s not terribly hard to find renters.