We are not investing out of state yet, but are setting up the guidelines and infrastructure as we speak. 

this is correct but you have to monitor the NOI and plan how you will manage it either by lowing expenses or getting in front of the moratorium by getting creative with tenant retention and thus keeping the rents steady or slowly raising them. 

Bigger Pockets has some great state forums and usually there are good locals that monitor those.

Upon purchase we worked to develop and improve infrastructure around the property.

I am looking for areas that are expected to grow in the mid to long term - ideally have a major employer, have upcoming infrastructure projects (e.g., a new rail line or major park), etc.

Virtual Assistants can be useful to make calls but you need to take time to train and monitor - especially if you are using an off-shore company.I would start with a combined approach for both mail and calling.

There are usually some good, local investors that monitor those forums.

I have been monitoring the area over the past year and it is exciting to see the amount of growth and opportunities as housing needs in the area are changing.

We're monitoring the feedback and discussing internally.

Living there, you can better monitor others and get them trained.A dumpster can sometimes have wheels or castors installed.