I'm Tamara, a local agent and investor in the NC area! 

I have posted my listing routinely to sites such as Facebook, Craigslist, Zillow and Land Search but still have not been able to find a buyer for the lot.

To invest out of state successfully, focus on building a strong local team (agent, PM, contractors), automating deal analysis, and using contingencies to protect yourself.

https://www.redx.com/blog/agents-dnc-list-tcpa-guide/For all of those who own property and are sick of these calls - report phone numbers here. 

Focus on smaller single-family homes, condos with low HOA fees, or multi-family properties in these regions, and build a reliable local team of agents, property managers, and other professionals to ensure a smooth investing experience.

Managing from afar can be done on single family homes with a few properties, but you'll still need a solid leasing agent and handyman which can sometimes be hard to find. 

We have always reminded him that we're buyers and it's worked!

I just wrote an offer for full asking price at 30 day close, with a contingency to extent at BUYERS choice for 30 more days if I don't get an favorable response on the electricity install costs.

They find properties and approach Sellers and secure a price, then they seek out an end Buyer (you) and sell it to you at a higher price. 

Hedgefunds, large buyers, mortgage companies etc.