Lately, I am interested in multi-family investing and trying to explore the areas around.

I highly recommend getting out and exploring the areas that interest you. 

I am exploring note funds.

I also just learned my neighbor was looking for investments in TN as well and we're likely making a trip there in the near future to explore some of the areas.Good luck with your REI!

We are out of state investors so hands on, full service is a must with reputable local vendors.

Realtors know a lot of people, so if you find a good one, they should be able to least connect you to a reputable property manger who knows contractors who can fix up your property if need be.  

You will also want to explore the great tax benefits available right now with cost segregation on any new property or your existing property.

You may get a desperate seller to agree to something, but you are setting your reputation with 2 realtors.

Also some concern is reputation for writing good preapproval letters.   

Here is a link you may want to explore that should give you the answers you are looking for: https://www.irs.gov/credits-de...