Stick to areas with better soil conditions like Frisco, McKinney, and Rockwall, and network with local investors to learn from their experiences.

Post on local Facebook pages for contractor referrals, go to local REIAs, and ask your potential agents and PMs (even if not using a PM at first...you may at some point).There is only so much that service providers can do and many of them are far from "experts"; so, be prepared to be your own expert at being willing to figure stuff out as you move forward.

However, especially if the investor is buying in an area they are not familiar with, they probably will not know the nuances of the local area. 

Bigger Pockets community was recommended to me by a local investor that I've done handyman work for.

Would love to be a resource for you here locally in Jacksonville!

@Steve Meyers I’ve been running this with some success with a local cincinnati agent on 2+ units and nationally with a commercial broker for shopping centers.

Being a 20 year mortgage expert and real estate investment veteran, we used our mortgage company to secure below market financing.

We are fortunate to take on a lot of doors from local PMCs who drop the ball, and invariably, poor communication is near the top of the list for complaints. 

I am local to Los Angeles - based in Orange County.A bit about me: I’m a civil engineer by profession with experience in local government.

This deal came through Partner Driven's local network in Windsor, NC.