The biggest advantage of using someone local to where you're buying is that they will understand taxes, insurance, and similar items very well when it comes to DTI/DSCR calculations and payment quotes, and they will likely have a local network of service providers for ancillary services (survey, inspections, etc).

Key Market Movers and How to Track Rateshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/2024-dscr-loan-rates-and-...How Do DSCR Lenders Calculate Your Interest Rate?

A solid agent can help you calculate ARV, manage inspections and contractor connections— get quotes and coordinate handymen and vendors post close, provide shopping lists and software suggestions for management or STR furnishing, etc. 

I recommend determining your set price point plus closing cost expense and then calculating what minimum rent would be required to cash flow the property. 

How do I properly calculate these numbers?

If you’re not factoring in asset management fees and investor returns when calculating ROI, then what seems like a good investment may not be scalable at all.For anyone looking to scale, start by asking yourself: Can my process generate returns that cover passive investors, management expenses, and still leave me with a worthwhile profit? 

So for every million dollar in equity you'll get about $60,000 in net cash flow.Play around with a BP calculator, plug in a million worth of RE with 20% down and see what happens over time.

And I would argue purchasing is easier than managing.Luke 14:28-30 For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?

Key Market Movers and How to Track Rateshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/2024-dscr-loan-rates-and-...How Do DSCR Lenders Calculate Your Interest Rate?

Have you seen Scott Trench's sell or rent calculator?