I am leaning on local first for my next investment, but not ruling out an out-of-market opportunity. 

Here are additional comments:1) Buying out of state removes any local knowledge you have from assisting in your success, including knowing areas, people and costs. - We always recommend buying your first rental locally if possible and DIY managing to learn as much as possible before investing OOS.2) Lots of crooks and incompetents in the PMC world:( They both cost you money.- As already stated, you'll have a small portfolio.

* How do you advertise your vacant units?

Better hope paint,carpet,advertising, commissions, and utilities don’t cost $600 or you blew your cash flow, it’s zero.

We recently relocated to Phoenix last summer and I'm starting to look for recommendations for local credit unions here in Phoenix which are trustworthy, low rates, personal touch, easy/simple to work with, etc. 

Tacoma is a fantastic market with a lot of opportunity, so you’re starting in the right place.Here’s how you can connect with local experts and start building your skills:Attend local meetups and networking events.

My experience has always been better with a local lender.With that said, I am reaching out to David Greene's The One Brokerage about a refinance.

Nevertheless I am local now and I have that real estate desire (which never went away).

Whether you are local or not, I also recommend finding a mentor and/or networking group, if not a partner, as Zachary suggest, to help you through the process.Good luck!

The buyer pool is beyond flakey..Your best bet is a local investor.