I am curious regarding local regulations on STRs and if there are any cities in Skagit Co that have stricter rules in place.

The problem is that I live in California (which is cost prohibitive for me currently to "buy local") and must rely on remote management that is local to the investment area. 

Are you local?

For those locals, is northeast Fort Myers any better than Lehigh for quality of tenants or is it one in the same?

I have been offered an exclusive Deal by a local "friend"/ semi-mentor in my small town.  8 standard 2/1 apartments -  Quad, duplex, duplex, 1970 Dated buildings, little neglected but liveableOwner finance: 20yr 6%rate with 20k down------------------------------------------------Total purchase 400KCurrent NOI: 41k     Cap: 10         (Tax,Ins,Maint, Util)Gross rent 4500/mth-----------------------------------------------Upgrade, Est repairs: 60k After reno: NOI: 59K   Gross rent: 6100------------------------------------------------Loan pmt: 2865/mth,    34k/yrCurrent Cash flow: 531/mth,  6,378/yrAfter reno Cash Flow: 2131/mth,  25,578/Yr-------------------------------------------------Added info- -Property line Joins with (growing) Community college-Tiny town-The Buildings are Currently "uglyish".- Current Rent is 150$- $200 behind market avg.I am very comfortable in single family homes in this town (own 18 SFH rented and performing well).

Do you have a policy with a local agent or do you use Proper or Foremost? 

I'd reach out to someone in a local REIA where the property is located- those folks will know of some private individuals that are looking to lend. if the SFH is your primary residence, you should be able to get a HELOC at a decent rate from a regional or credit union.

@Ronald Rohde is local and might be a great resource for you. 

Have you been going to local meetups in your area to meet other people flipping locally?

I would go to meetup.com to find local investor meetups in the DMV.