Boots on the ground is very valuable.

Depending on comfort and cash, it might be a viable option as you can build equity and then sell without having capital gains, assuming it's your primary residence and you've lived there for 2 years.

Why on gods green earth if you can save on commission, gain experience, meet investors and manage your own properties would you want to invest in a market outside of where you are?

Yes, valuable lesson learned.

My view is the insurance is not only valuable if it is used.  

Most property management companies are licensed realtors with extensive experience working with investors and providing valuable insights into their local market.

I think there will be a market for it and you will gain some market share, but I don't think there will be tons of profits coming in.

I am about to buy my first property in Ohio and I would like to gain as much information as I can in regards to the different legal issues of which I can face in Ohio.

BP and the forums have been so valuable while I’ve been learning and I’m so grateful to have this resource.I’m a US citizen currently living abroad (London, UK) and would like to start my REI journey in the US.

My advice would be to start small with your first deals to gain experience before scaling up.