I would highly recommend you listen to all the podcasts from Kenny Bedwell - Cashflow Positive.

Typically, co-op's are less valuable than condos for a number of reasons such as supply/demand, lack of investor interest, older units, estate planning issues, financing and board policies. 

I'd recommend this strategy for a new investor vs. doing a HML on your first deal. 

I was thinking he supplies the down payment and acts as a silent partner.

@David Lewis I recommend reading “Long-Distance Real Estate Investing: How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties” - I found it to be very helpful when I got started investing 2.5 years ago.

As for buy and hold, getting your foot in the door with a house hack is almost always what I recommend. 

To get started, I would recommend interviewing some TK providers in the OKC and AL markets to find out who provides the service and experience you seek as an out-of-area investor.

Quote from @Konstantinos Lembesis: Hello all,I have been monitoring the Akron market for a few months and I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for neighborhoods to avoid. 

Are there any recommendations for foreclosure attorneys who service Aberdeen, WA?

Looking for recommendations from people who have personally used a specific lender and had good experience.