Most contractors are good people - they know how to get the job and usually get the job done on time and will persuade you by  using their credentials, personality and the persuasive skills of a veteran master sales person, a closer - a skilled entrepreneur  knowing were the bottom lines is and how to increase profits and up the bottom line, how to up-sell and get change orders approved. 

You know the ones that create an online persona of success, when in reality they are nothing but online trolls?

The STR strategy could help reduce your taxable income, but the answer to that question varies person to person. A

I have looked out of state, but am struggling with the idea of just wiring some random person a good amount of money.

The advice for credit strategy would vary from person to person as "maxing," out credit cards affects each individual differently but in general maxing out a card can lower your score around 85-100 points on the first go at it.

@Amit M. as you own a few buildings likes this, maybe you can lend some advice on this issue that @Thor M. is dealing with...

You hand it to the appraiser in a very low pressure "I'm helping you" way when he shows up in person. As

The rent was paid in person as soon as the office opened on the 1st.

I'm hesitant to buy without seeing anything in person, as I've seen some creative listings in Seattle where the listing agent carefully avoids the mold, water damage, and holes in the wall and carpet, etc.

I base a large deal of weight as I am sure many LP's do on the sponsor and feel that in addition to either a phone call or a meet up in person, a questionnaire sheet would seem a more efficient way to ask and get answers to common objective questions ahead of time to get an idea on a sponsor.