Are there specific networking events, online platforms, or strategies that have proven effective for building relationships with investors?

They didn't require me to continue using them for any other services.They'll be 100% up to date on state and local landlord/tenant laws, have an attorney on retainer, and they can probably get the job done legally for cheaper than you hiring an attorney hourly.Here are couple good PM's in the Sammamish area that might be worth reaching out to:- PMI Arka- Brink Property Management

Consider accepting the tenants if they pass your screen, deny the dog, require a certified clean bedbug report for their current home and belongings and a separate bedbug deposit to cover future treatment if needed.

Lenders will allow up to 85% financing on investment transaction assuming credit is healthy and reserve requirements are met. 

Also, I can't tell anything by just this post but there are investment property loans that don't require 25% down. 

Check with each utility to confirm you can have the additional accounts in a tenant's name.In our North East Pennsylvania location, the water companies will allow a separate meter, HOWEVER, they require a separate water main from the street hookup to the additional house meter so they may control each meter on the property independently of the other(s) without entering the dwelling.

Listen to podcasts, watch YouTube videos, find others in similar boat and meet regularly online to discuss. 

It sounds plausible to me, if PMs are required to be licensed real estate broker/salesperson in WA, that the Property Management Agreement may include an Exclusive Right to List.

If I want to use the STR tax loophole, would living in a different state affect the advantage of the so called STR tax loophole, as long as I remain active in managing the property and fulfill the other requirements?

If you had a default interest clause in your promissory note and didn't enforce that and they still made monthly installment payments, for which you accepted each time, then you are in a sticky situation to require additional extension costs.