Of course we'll have to go through municipality zoning processes, but that's the nature of what we do. 

Sorry for taking so long, but I've been having my own growing pains.One of the things we're not really looking closely at is the hyperlocality of Pittsburgh, a fundamental understanding of the unusual nature of this place and how, through insularity and other factors, it tends to punish long-distance investors.

A local condo that you can easily check on might be a good way to learn the ropes of being a landlord without adding the complexity of long-distance management.Out-of-state investing, especially in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, comes with additional risks.

It's only natural because the market took off like a rocket, and people became "rich" with equity. 

With several hiking trails/boats/kayaks/bicycles/etc, and just nature in general, what do most people do protect themselves from potential issues?

I am not sure what I would pick as the most important ingredient, rather it is an overall recipe that will get results.

It's random, and those were just the people that I happened to meet over a couple of hours (and I'm not naturally extroverted).

Oh and the original Incumbent tenant dies of natural causes in the unit one month prior to closing in June which delayed it again.Needless to say...

Depending on the nature of the relationship he had with the deceased, he may actually find it offensive that all you care at this point is your rental. 

Cultivate relationships where referrals become a natural part of your interactions.