Outside of meeting with an "investor friendly" agent while in each city, what other in-person tasks should I try to accomplish to gain a better understanding of the potential upside to the rental markets.I have renovated and rented a multifamily property before so I'm not completely new to the game, but analyzing out of state farm areas is a relatively new path that I have yet to explore. 

To simplify things, I like think of repositioning MF properties as just flipping “bigger homes”, but I know it’s a different animal completely, especially the part of managing the income/expense game with inherited tenants.

The best way is to get stabilized and get your feet back under you before jumping back into the game.  

I also have an extensive sphere of influence with all of my longtime customers, acquaintances, etc, so I will be exploring the more traditional home buyer/seller through those connections and organic marketing as well. 

The red markings are where ill bring the backsplash all the way up the wall and im going to put in a custom floating shelf ill make myself 

Not saying it's not possible but just be aware of the rules of the game before you get started. 

Representation is a hard game to play. 

Finding and empowering people to do their particular jobs well is an absolute must in the real estate game.

Hence making me new to the Landlord Game! 

The seller could remain that broker’s client and you could simply be the broker’s customer.