Now, I typically only use them to skim stats on reviews and the more basic items. 

The under writing doesn't carry for a 1.25 DSCR which (at the moment) is the golden rule for banks and commercial hard money lenders. 

The biggest advantage of using someone local to where you're buying is that they will understand taxes, insurance, and similar items very well when it comes to DTI/DSCR calculations and payment quotes, and they will likely have a local network of service providers for ancillary services (survey, inspections, etc).

Depending how long your LTR was in there, you might need to fix or update a few items. 

The local law says that the non owner occupied property being rented will need a designated host that may or may not be the owner however that other line item in the code that stipulates that the host must be available within 30 min driving while the unit is occupied becomes the dealbreaker.

Your biggest problems here are going to be how to properly qualify someone, what to do if someone stops paying, footing the bill if you have a big repair item, finding quality and reasonable vendors/contractors to fix things, and keeping track of payments.If this isn't you, give me some more context of where you're at and I can give some better insights. 

So I'm guessing thats the item. 

We typically estimate standard costs for these items but get them done much cheaper with our own crew.

My CPA instructed me to list my repairs as CAPEX or repair items , furnishings were supplies for the rental. 

What I'm seeing in the industry as a cautionary tale for you is that simply the reputation of the company is not going to necessarily carry the day.