Best advice is to join or visit a local REIA meetup and start shaking hands.

Theyre a 1031 QI in Greenville SC and are local to SC.

I talk to person after person in local RIEAs.

They should have local options with teams they approve of. 

Finding the right realtor/wholesaler can be a huge advantage, especially someone who knows the local market trends and can spot areas with hidden potential.

Network with wholesalers, check public records, and use platforms like PropStream or DealMachine to find distressed properties.Be Cautious: Pay attention to permits, inspections, and local market trends—over-improving for the area could hurt your profits.Starting with a solid plan and realistic numbers will set you up for success.

Alternately, if you’re going to do this at volume, and you’ll have to since margins here are thin, I would attend some of the lender conferences.

He ended up sitting down with a local commercial broker who specialized in warehouse properties.

Is it best to obtain a loan from a local lender or a lender in my own state, where I will NOT be investing? 

Determine local/state laws regarding wholesaling and determine if (1) you need to be licensed in the jurisdiction you’re considering and (2) if you’ll be able to operate profitably while remaining legally compliant2.