Definitely get a smart lock if you're remote managing (DM me for my favorite).

Any sign is generally appreciated, but if your friend knows the wholesaler's favorite band and you can get them a signed, framed record, or that they love skiing, something ski related.  

My favorite operations software right now is TenantCloud, solely because the paid version (which isn’t anything close to Buildium) syncs invoices to QBO.

It's a great community, and the more you interact the more you'll learn.Buy-and-hold is my favorite real estate strategy, and you should do well with it almost regardless of how you buy.

@Daniel Zierk the HELOC is probably my favorite way to finance a BRRR deal.

If you do not feel like meeting in person because of Covid maybe ask him for his favorite food place and send him a gift card as a nice gesture.

Additionally, submit your favorite deals (or craziest, wildest, or most stressful deals!)

My favorite is North Houston REI.

You can get in touch with a local wholesaler (let me know if you want a suggestion), you could send out marketing, or my favorite method is you can work with an investor-friendly real estate agent. 

Live-in flips and rehabs are my personal favorite.