@Michelle Hardy Just adding, check your local city too for their requirements, many have specific requirements that the state may not have.Here in VT in the towns my properties are in, there is not a requirement to keep them separate or pay interest. 

When it comes to finding good wholesalers, a few approaches have worked well for me and others in the industry:1.Local Networking & Meetups:Check out local real estate investor associations and networking events in the Akron/Cleveland area.

I may look at out-of-state investing in the future, but I think good deals can be found locally (which I think you acknowledged). 

I plan to manage the properties myself until it conflicts with my regular job.I would appreciate any advice on these markets to ensure success and connect with local investors.    

Check into your local regulations.

I'm with @Huong Luu but would add join a local REIA and find some PMLs they are always hanging out at meetings.

He knows local investors to bring me bids now that property is cleaned out and cleaned up.

Your best bet is to find and contact all of the top local wholesalers and go to work for one of them and see what they do right and wrong and see if it's even a business you like.

Instead, relying on recent comparable sales (comps) from MLS, local realtors, or an appraiser will give a far more accurate picture of a property’s post-rehab value.Any Advice you wish you knew when you started? 

We have continued to work with Teresa Fernandez the local go to real estate agent in Coalinga CA.