A quick google search reveals that Minneapolis provides assistance for first time home buyers so there seems to be a problem with funds for first time home buyers in your locale too.

can you invest locally instead?

Why not just hire a local real estate agent to handle leasing? 

Now when your agent actually does the release then they send it to the listing agent and its is the listing agents responsibility to forward that doc to the sellers we do this all the time via docu sign or hello sign or whatever on line document system the local MLS uses.. somehow you seem to have this backwards..

Keep in mind local zoning laws and market conditions in Portland versus Salem—Portland might offer higher rents but stricter regulations, while Salem could provide better cash flow opportunities.Your design approach has proven successful, so continue focusing on appealing upgrades like kitchens and bathrooms, but prioritize cost-effective and durable materials for rentals.

Yes, if you lived local and did it, then you wouldn't have to pay for it since you do not charge for your time.  

This development, spanning nearly 6 square miles, promises to create thousands of jobs, generate economic activity, and transform the local economy.

Zillow also hs a "Make Me Move" feature you can click on to see home owners listing their property in hopes of a good offer.I have also seen peopl reach out tp local AFL Assisted living facilities to talk to the Admin or on boarding nurse to see if ay families or people need to sell their home to cover costs.

People that are good at branding and review designation can bury those low reviews and I wouldn't want to own someone's reviews but I am not your audience as far as a projected buyer as we purchased ours for a deal and they are both higher end beach stilt houses that are side by side and neither had been listed as a STR on any platform, we built it up with a direct book site and also use the platforms as well as the local website in the area to book. 

Before you jump into some type of mentorship (that they usually want you to pay for), I would start doing some meetups in your area with local real estate investors.