I'll just add a local perspective: North Atlanta ie city, Sandy Springs, or Alpharetta?

I really like the idea of leveraging local contacts for walkthroughs and feedback.

I would visit local meetups for real estate investing, and also network with agents in your area that work with a lot of investors.

You can also do value add STR & Multi-Family Rentals by starting with distressed properties and using a bridge loan to acquire them with a lower down payment compared to a DSCR loan.Networking – Connect with local investors, wholesalers, and realtors in your target markets.

There's a local PM that I believe knows a lot of the ins and outs of this, @Drew Sygit

I am about ready to just manage myself from out of state and have a couple of local handymen help me out when things come up.

I am looking to connect with local (to myself) investors who have made the leap out of state. 

Unless you have a local law that says otherwise, it's not illegal to disclose this. 

I was also planning to work for a property managing firm to learn the ropes of the state and local codes while continuing to invest.

Obtain a working knowledge of the local rental market.