I've been checking markets and have honed in on a particular market.

Be sure to check out the free tools BP provides to help analyze deals you may have and also market insights.

The annual cost of doing my LLC in WY is usually $200, less than my checking account fees. 

One of our long time investment partners wrote the check for the entire $1.5M.

Those buying close to the city are either breaking even or taking negative cashflow and banking on appreciation (or buying all cash and parking money, ha).If you do consider Lowell, I'd also recommend you check out the Fitchburg/Leominster area as well.

Partnering with a wholesaler sounds fine, but check the real estate licensing laws in your state before bringing a buyer for a commission.You might consider getting your real estate agent's license and legitimately earn what your skills, drive, and experience truly command. exactly wholesaling or bird dogging is not a life time or long time occupation  RE sales can be lifetime and if your any good at it at about year 10 you should be getting all your sales from referrals and such.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

It will be money well spent.Also, criminals know how to check which properties in the area are STRs and might be vacant during most of the winter.  

Any other checks is recommended on top of what they do?

I would check to make sure you have that language in the lease.