As far as the first paragraph is concerned, I can't do Convential Loans in TN...only commercial-style rentals, so I will leave that first paragraph to someone local to you.

The local agent is really just a point of contact.

@Richard BrownIt will be best to find a local CPA or an expert in AK tax law. 

Please get to your local meetings and learn.

He is local, also an investor and is an investor focused agent that can be of great value to you on your search!

I tried borrowing the book from my local library, but their copy had already "lost" the CD, so no success there. 

I would check a local RE attorney perhaps, every state has different rules for establishing residency.

Consider using a local lender as they tend to be more familiar with the specific market you're investing in.

I'm not sure if you're local to Ohio, but I used to have a portfolio of SFRs and one duplex in Ohio.

Now in our timber deals with that demographic it could take months and a lot of fresh and smoked salmon and if it was elk season some fresh steaks and jerky would win the day.. this is the PNW of course :)  I also got a lot of timber deals by advertising on the Christian radio station..