I have experience with commercial construction loans and cash-out refinancing after construction completion, but no experience with refinancing raw land yet.

We have chosen distressed properties because of our past experiences and are comfortable examining properties that need help.

I'm eager to hear about your experiences and happy to connect. 

I've had the best experience with sellers that are successful in business.

It’s a good learning experience for me, and I’ve really appreciated everyone’s input including yours.

Just wondering, what areas are recommended based on experience and any advice that you can offer?

What's your experience with AppFolio @Jessica Hunt?

To the contrary in my experience sellers reply to such demands as you've shared has been "tell them to kick rocks". 

My first suggestion is to only look out of state after you have "cut your teeth" closer to home where you can experience and learn from the process way more quickly. 

They're basically saying, we are liars and can't be trusted....and other people should know we are liars and cant be trusted.In my experience, assessors rely on the representations of the property owners as to whether they're intitled a particular exemption i.e. 65+ and/or homestead.