Having local family gave me a built-in support system, market familiarity, and the confidence to manage a property from a distance if needed.

Look for motivated sellers off market and market via cold calling and or direct mail, geofencing, advertising and the like.A good wholesaler is as @Ericka Parrott mentioned, direct to seller, did good underwriting and can deliver an actual "Deal" whether buy and hold or flip. 

The market in Scottsdale is cheaper than the Seattle market to buy, however, the rental market is a bit higher, so we would likely be renting for around $6k-$7k/mo. 

In this area, market values hit around $4.95 million, giving you a solid 131% ROI.

- Will they search for off-market properties for you?

Hi Daniel, Columbus GA has properties much lower in price than the metro Atlanta area, you should do fine to learn your local market.

The Japanese market is different in that it is a high yield cash flow market, non speculative investing.

One trend I have seen shifting in my market, Sheboygan County, is going from a sellers market to a buyers market. 

Unless you are finding off-market opportunities direct to seller, I can't imagine the deals working on BRRRR.

Hey Paul, I've done a few of these with buyers moving money from California to the Detroit market.