Choose your top ~3 inspection companies, contact info, etc. and then when you're ready to start due diligence on a property, start with your top choice and then utilize your backups if needed for availability, coverage area, or whatever other reason.

I would definitely report them to their local board if they choose not to help you with this matter. 

Property Selection: Choose your septic system wisely, as not all properties are created equal.

Let the tenant choose their own code, put a code for yourself and then five other codes in their file.

As many would advise you here, Bigger Pockets has a plethora of CPAs and Tax Advisors to choose from.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.

I will be living out of state away from my property so I want to be educated on how to properly choose a good property management company.

But in many cases they will just ending up routing you back through a broker which brings you back to the above scenario, so you've really gotta pick and choose well.Keep in mind that if you do find one, there will be things you need to do on your end such as specific signage, obtaining certificate of insurance from any vendors you work with (cleaners, handyman, pool guy), etc.Safely I believe also includes liability as an option in addition to their usual damage protection at an extra cost, though in that case you're paying on a per booking basis rather than a yearly fee, and it's likely going to be quite a bit more expensive. 

Please make sure no matter which market you pick, you have a solid team on the ground picked out, and a good understanding of the market you choose before pulling the trigger.  

Sure, lots of homes get hit by tornadoes... but there are 1.7 million homes for the tornado to choose from... so if a couple of hundred homes are impacted by tornadoes in a year, that is 0.00011% of the houses in Oklahoma getting hit... but just like hurricanes it makes for great tv coverage, so it's easy to see where you would try to worry about it.