However, looks like there is a harsh line as far as what locals can afford and if you go over that, vacancy is high.Watertown, NY- I’ve seen many great multi-family properties in the low to mid 100s.

Research local rental demand, especially from military and university tenants, and consider balancing your portfolio with single-family and multi-family homes.

I live in the Lancaster PA area.I am new to real estate investing and looking to connect with any local investor.

Networking is key, so connect with local investors and lenders who specialize in multifamily deals.

Do I contact appraisers and local title insurance agencies to begin to find one that I could use? 

Detroit is a market where local have a strong competitive advantage over non-locals so you want to use that to your advantage.

if you have proper team you can self manage. are you local to the area?

Hoping to find a local community to get involved with, maybe through Bigger Pockets. 

Good to see another local investor in Charleston.

I would recommend attending some local meet up groups or REIA meetings.