We have a local Facebook group that makes it really easy to find local boots on the ground.

I would want a PM that was a true boots on the ground PM company with their employees, their maintenance teams/trucks (this saves you a lot in 3rd party maintenance).   

I would strongly recommend using a project manager or boots on the ground to manage your rehab especially if you're OOS.

Do you find someone on places like craigslist to get "boots on the ground" to look at the property and assess any damage?

welcome to biggerpockets and please reach out if you need boots on the ground here in jacksonville or help with the rehab.

I’ll have to pay taxes on the mortgage boot.

Once in those groups, I am sure there are "boots on the ground" people that will go out and take pictures etc for a fee. 

As long as you have reliable "boots on the ground" such as a property manager or real estate agent that has experience working with out of state investors, you'll significantly increase your chances of acquiring the right property that will generate the returns you're looking for. 

Now that we’re back stateside, I’ve begun this boots-on-the-ground service in our local area.

I'm in Southern California, and could help you with boots on the ground if you locate any properties in my area.