Lots of posts on different companies so be sure to check out what people have said about vendors you are considering doing business with.

Found the deal when my local realtor referred it to me.

The Tenant texts LULA and the AI behind it troubleshoots issues, and dispatches trusted vendors for required repairs. 

For financing, there are programs like FHA loans for first-time buyers, and there may be local or state-level programs offering incentives for affordable housing investments.

I know more about Phoenix living locally but I hear good things about NC especially from east coast investors.

You could arrange to have your cleaners accept the deliveries at the property or hire a local handyman to do same and even assemble furniture.

Get to some local meetings.

My thought is to help him out by going in 50-50 partnership for many reasons: half down payment, half capex expense, strong co-signer on loan, me being local to investment property to take care of little things that need attentions (he will be out of state for his job/I will have PM), etc.  1. 

Networking is key, so connect with local investors and lenders who specialize in multifamily deals.

Since hard money eats into profits, consider private lenders, local banks, or partnerships for lower-cost funding.