Nailing down a buy box in the area, funding, and having a plan will come out of absorbing a ton of knowledge and narrowing down to what makes the most sense to you, what fits your life, and what fits your goals the best. 

Financing- build a relationship with a regional banker, don’t shop for interest rates, start small and build history and loyalty they are your team, Cross collateralize, deposit CD/MM or custodial account with bank for loan, give them monthly updates, nail your deal analysis, do stress tests on your deal analysis-cost/interest rate/deal length/ sale price etc. 12.

You will want to nail down what your investment thesis is, buy box, and why you are better at that investment niche than others

It doesn't sound like you are ready to make an offer if you haven't worked to nail down estimates for these items and MORE like utilities, furnishings, etc.

He has cultivated relationships with hedge funds to purchase notes, with property preservation companies to assist in the care of the collateral and servicing companies to service the notes and facilitate the work outs.

Rentals for preserving wealthFlips for building warchest and Obviously decide exit strategy in advance.

A 1031 exchange defers all taxes by reinvesting in a like-kind property, preserving capital for long-term investments but adds complexity and future tax obligations.

Throw the word AI in there and they fight against it tooth and nail. 

You essentially nailed it.

Before jumping into out-of-state markets, make sure to nail down a few things.