@Christine Lawrence  Out of state investing has some unique challenges but for the most part, most of the challenges are the same as investing locally.

The "experienced agent" paid to be on Zillow and get contacted, as long as there is nothing insanely unique about the area I would go with the friend. 

If it helps to give perspective, what you're seeing is not unique just to the KC metro. 

It had 2 kitchens a huge living room, a pool table room, 5 bedroom & 4 baths.They are interesting pieces of history that require some very unique knowledge to maintain, but people love them.

After calling the wrong section and getting shuffled around a few times I found my way to the auditors office  public records division.

I've been in touch with Veterans First Mortgage, trade name of Wintrust Mortgage, a division of Barrington Bank & Trust Company, N.A., a Wintrust Community Bank.

But with my unique situation that I have to take down an auto shop then remove the poured foundation, it is difficult to estimate (within fair accuracy) cost per sqft.Do you have suggestions how to get a fair estimate on big ticket item costs?

I do not know what that agreement says and division of fee or percentage so I am not agreeing to a blanket statement like that.

Texas is a unique and special state for interest rate application.

I've never done a deal and looking for strategies that work for my unique situation.