Have significant presences here and continue to hire and to invest in the area. 

Not on social media and no real online presence.

Funny enough, I'm actually almost done putting together an online wholesaling presence around here. 

Some might require that the business operates regularly within the jurisdiction or have a physical presence there or have employees there. 

Presence of Asbestos (pipe wraps, tiles, etc.), Radon, or other environmental issues10. 

The last few years we've seen several large employment centers move to Bham and it's lately been somewhat of an under the radar hot bed for tech startups (not to mention Shipt) - overall it has, and always has had, a strong entrepreneurial presence. 

The Aerospace industry has a large presence there (and there's also a prison in Lancaster).

There seems to be a big presence on the forum from the KC area so you should be able to get some good advice.It looks like you have your WHY figured out, -- an extremely important motivator.

Im also curious, what type of marketing are you doing in your area (ie: flyers, door hangers, pens, calendars, magnets) to create a presence?

But other investors will definitely help you more then most realtors until you establish your presence there.