You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

If you're investing in real estate out of your home state don't you have, at minimum, a Realtor, Contractor, Property Manager, Lawyer, etc. in the state where you're looking to create a local presence?

But, even if someone was I would imagine the financing terms you can get a mid level furniture store would be much better then a hard money loan anyway. 

For each of the SMA you can see which areas are growing and which areas are declining. 

That could mean poor tenant quality, which could lead to them not paying or eviction.

Since you are already familiar with house hacking, I would consider converting your current home into a rent-by-room or whatever it takes to keep it as a long-term rental, then look for another home you can hack.

Assignment of mortgage which has to be recorded.

Hey @Christopher Charles - I have two preliminary questions for you.  1.  

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.