But then again, I’m not experienced in it, so I do need expert advise on what garage size and door size with height to pick.  

I would love to pick your brains if you're good with me contacting you directly.

my ex tenant was picked up for smoking pot - I wasn’t held liable for that. 

@Timothy Blackman- thanks  ...get some referrals for lenders from friends / co workers ...contact them all on the same day with the same criteria and ask them any questions you have and  ask for some scenarios ...compare the  feedback and service they provide ...pick one lender to get pre approved with ,,once you have a property - contact all lenders again for pricing options for the actual loan you will need ...hopefully the lender you chose for pre approval will be competitive in their pricing ..good luck

bottom line: pick what you think if best for where you are at on your real estate investment journey.

Quote from @Alan NA: If you could pick one or two neighborhoods in these two states to buy a long or mid-term rental property $1mm or under, which would it be and why?

I would be less concerned about trying to pick land based on future appreciation & selling. 

Pick a market, go onto Zillow Agent finder, look for reviews that mention something about investments, call the person to make sure they invest themselves and go from there.

Picking 1 area and sticking with it can go a long way.

Pick a lender.