They found a house they liked in a neighborhood they liked, they bought it, and they held on.

I actually had just found the Amazon book last evening, and was going to purchase it. 

I found them. 

Self-education through Bigger-pockets and found David Greene's Out of state investing book.

As far as more technical financial analysis you mentioned above, I have found it is easiest to track these items in excel - I just update the workbook each time I analyze.

Hi Matt,I'm in a similar situation as you were and wondering how this strategy worked for you or if you found any better ways to organize the finances for the house hack without the rent covering the mortgage?

He found it in his office w/I hours.

Even if you have to travel a couple of hours, you have a much better chance of finding someone.How to approach a mentorOnce you've found a likely candidate, it's time to reach out and ask.

It came as no surprise when I looked Gatlinburg Falls up on the Better Business Bureau site and found this.  109 complaints posted in the last 36 months!

Then when you've found them, look at negotiating the fee and see if you and them can align on a number.