If I were new I would simply stick to areas close to where I live.

Obviously it is always a good idea to respect folks time, but find someone who also has skin in the game, investing where you are investing, can talk about their experiences, and also has built a network of folks who can support you after the transaction as well. 

I've also seen it where legal counsel has had each of the spouses form their own single member LLC and those LLCs purchase the new property as tenants in common.Food for thought - You'll almost always get a better interest rate and terms buying as yourselves. 

Michigan is a state where lenders will lend 100% of the rehab and 75% - 80% of the LTV. 

No.I provide cable channels (I'm not cheap and have nice properties) and have smart TV's where they can log into any of their streaming services.

WHERE ARE WE GETTING THIS NUMBER FROM?!?!?!

The substitute of collateral was more of a scenario where you sold for $155K, and instead of paying off the $88K loan in your scenario, those funds stayed at the title company and were used on a cash purchase happening nearby in date. 

I live in Fl. where insurance is pretty costly but I am also investing in states where insurance seems less expensive.

Lenders will want a letter from your employer that states you are allowed to work remote from where you currently live and that this move will not affect your income. 

I had a great CPA on the east coast where I used to live but I am hesitant to do taxes remotely.