I am not sure if I should stay local to my market.

We've worked with local banks and been able to finance the three we own without any issues.I don't necessarily know if it's "beginner" investor friendly but you'll learn everything you need in the bootcamp which is the gold standardWe get loans with 3-7 year balloons and 25 year amortization typically

I'm curious to dive deeper into the Santa Fe market and would love to learn from those with local experience.

Here’s the winning formula successful local house buyers and wholesalers use to connect with sellers, close deals, and create win-win solutions:Be Relentless: Show up every day with positivity and persistence.

We get granite for around $40/ft installed from a local shop. 

Go to local REAI groups and other in person events.

As for offering subject-to financing, this is something that can be advertised under 'seller financing' in our local MLS, and there's investors that search specifically for listings with that marked, so that should introduce your property to a new set of buyers that may not have considered it before.

As U.S. citizens residing in Europe, we are required by the local tax code to hold the property in our personal name.

Geographically locally where is your house in the landscaping?  

You could also explore a jv partnership with a local investor.